I am told that there is a curse used by the Chinese, "May you live in interesting times." No one can doubt that we are living in interesting times. In my adult lifetime, the Berlin Wall fell, the Soviet Union crumbled, terrorists attacked, and now we face another close presidential election. All this has happened in just the last two decades. If you’re older, your list of "interesting" events could fill this newsletter. It’s easy to be overwhelmed. It’s easy to be frustrated by events. Sometimes it appears as if we play only a walk-on part in the drama of history.
In college, a philosophy professor of mine spoke of our desperation this way: "Think of a dog tied to a cart. The cart is rolling down a hill. The dog can choose to trot alongside the cart or be dragged by it. That’s free will." Instead of being Masters of the Universe, modern philosophy posits an anxiety-ridden life where the Triumph of the Will is to be crushed by history.
However, as Christians, we live an alternative. God calls us to enter history. To stand and witness to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We proclaim a God who binds up the brokenhearted that provides release for the captives. Although history may try to crush the Church, she cannot be overcome. After all, she believes in resurrection. In the Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matt 28:18). As a result, we do not live in constant anxiety. We do not need to be consumed by the "interesting times" around us. God remains God.
In this last election, some are pleased by the outcome. Others are disappointed. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. "Interesting times" are here to stay. As Christians, we can stand without fear. We remain united in the Christ who is victorious.
Grace & Peace,
James
