What’s wrong with the world? Is it ever going to change? I looked on CNN’s website to see headlines about corrupt countries, earthquakes, arson, and refugees fleeing violence in their countries. Everything is obviously broken.
It even hits close to home. Abusive relationships, illness, job loss, family and friends going down a dangerous path to name a few. Other people’s problems are easier to overlook than our own. Whose fault is it? Is anyone even at fault?
In a Twitter debate, I saw a comment from the ‘sidelines’ about God screwing up. “Maybe version 2.0,” they sneered. Funny they should mention that. It reminded me of some verses that I will get to in a moment. It’s a problem every worldview has to deal with.
Four Questions
Every intellectually honest person has to answer these four questions:
1: Where did we come from?
2: Why are we here?
3: What is wrong with the world?
4: How can we fix it?
Have you considered the answers? Follow along with me, if we got here by luck (Q1) then there isn’t a reason for you. You are just an accident (Q2), chaos is the norm, and we all return to dust. We breed and then we die (Q3), and even that is meaningless.
How depressing is that? I would be cynical and sarcastic again myself. The comment made me smile, though. Everything is going to end, that is true. The Second Law of Thermodynamics tells us everything is winding down. Entropy is the end that awaits. Yay.
The Christian Worldview Has The Answers
Consider this: Question 1 is answered in Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1: 27-28 and Ephesians 1: 4-5 answers question 2.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will”
The answer to the third question is that we’re what are wrong with the world. We do as we will, are in it for ourselves trying to get ‘what’s mine’, and no one better cross us. I know, I spent years building monuments to myself.
How do we fix it?
Problem is, we can’t. Remember, it’s all ticking down. There is an answer and a hope. The answer to the last question is a person. Luke 19: 10 tells us that. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He is a historical person who walked the earth and disappeared after he was killed. What happened is debated but a majority of historical scholars admits he’s real.
That is part of my hope. He worked miracles, spoke of absolutes, said that everyone has value, and backed it up in his interactions and sacrifice. Through that death, there is a path to redemption. He is the present hope.
The future hope, “Earth 2.0” is actually biblical. 2,775 years ago the prophet Isaiah wrote, “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore” in Isaiah 65:17.
Why is it taking so long, though?
Close to a millennium later, Peter wrote the answer.
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.” 2 Peter 3: 8-15 NIV
There is a hope and a part to play for us. It’s ticking down but we do not have to go with it. God’s patience won’t last forever and we will not see it coming. Follow Jesus, it is how we can be spotless and at peace. That is what you can do.
What do you have to look forward to?
A second chance, the old you, and one day the old earth will be gone and the new will arrive.
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” Revelation 21:1
The God so many wonders if exists will live with us.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3
No more mourning, or illness. There will be no sadness, no tears. All we think is wrong with the world will be gone. Cancer in all its forms will be eradicated.
“4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
There is hope. Do you have hope?
A Ronin's Journey 