Questions
Why do the
nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?[1]
You would
almost think these words are right out of newspaper headlines and television
news, but they’re not. This question was penned by King David about three
thousand years ago and then reiterated by Peter about one thousand years later.
Yet, since then, things have not really changed. Nations still rage and people
continue to plot and carry out vain things.
Case in
point, the political lies coming out of the news media and specifically the
three CNN employees who resigned on June 26, 2017, when an article they wrote
had to be retracted. I’m sure this has always been the situation with the media,
but no one, up until this point, has been brave enough to say it. Maybe others out
there knew some in the media greatly embellish their stories with half-truths
or fabrications, but what they had to hide, compelled them to stay silent.
Honestly,
it’s hard to know what to believe anymore, because every word, written or
spoken, good or bad, comes out with that person’s bias. But, do we ever stop and question what type of person we
are listening to? On screen, magazines, newspapers, or internet, media folks
are very polished. They know how to talk and dress to elicit praise and respect.
So, can we trust them to only report the truth and not slant it to fit their
agenda?
I’m not sure. But what I do know is scripture says humans
speak from the heart and because of sin our heart is deceitful above all else
and desperately wicked.[2]
So, this truth
provokes other questions: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why
are those happy who deal so treacherously?[3]
Maybe it’s
because they are blinded to the truth of Jesus and where they will spend
eternity[4].
Maybe their consciences are seared as with a hot iron[5] or
they are held captive by the enemy to do his will. Maybe it’s because at this
time, Jesus isn’t ruling with an iron rod and sin’s wage or consequences aren’t
always experienced immediately. Fortunately we are still in the age of grace;
they yet have opportunity to repent and escape the snare of the devil.[6]
But maybe it’s
so we, who know the Way, the Truth, and the Life[7],
will humble ourselves, take pity on them and share the gospel. Isn’t that our
job?
Yes, the
wicked do prosper in our time and they are seemingly happy, but we are not to
envy them. Unless they change, their way is sure. Eventually, they will stand
before God at the great white throne judgment, the books will be opened, and
anyone not written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.[8]
I’m certain
these three CNN ex-employees will continue to prosper. Someone out there will
want to hear their side of the story, pay them lots of money, and so the deceit
continues. But maybe, just maybe, this trial will cause them to stop, question
their lives, cease plotting vain things, and seek Truth. Oh, let’s pray this is
the case.
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