The more things change.....

 

I am old! I was born in 1960 and if you just search all the things that have changed since the 60's you will agree with me. A lot has changed. What is the most significant change in the world since 1960? 

I went to quora and did a google search on the most significant changes since 1960. Of course, being able to do a google search might be considered by many to be the most significant. Yes, the internet, computers, and technology in general are high on everyone's lists. I was also fascinated by some of the minor changes. One person said going shopping on the weekend in the 60's meant dressing up and the retail workers were considered professionals and paid a good wage. I remember my Dad was one of those. He worked at JC Penney. Child care costs, and housing costs changed. Civil rights were developed during that decade. 

I also know one thing that changed significantly........According to Gallup, those people that REGULARLY attend church dropped significantly throughout the 60's and early 70's. It holds now right around 38%. Even though most people believe their faith is important, how do they show that?

When I read through 2 Kings 22 and 23 this morning, King Josiah tore his clothes when he realized how far his people had drifted from the Lord. Maybe we should do some clothes tearing! Since he was in charge of the kingdom, he did something about it.

"Then the king instructed Kilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second rank and the Temple gatekeepers to remove from the Lord's Temple all the articles that were used to worship Baal, Asherah, and all the powers of the heavens. The king had all these things burned outside Jerusalem on the terraces of the Kidron Valley, and he carried the ashes away to Bethel. He did away with idolatrous priests, who had been appointed by the previous kings of Judah, for the had offered sacrifices at the pagan shrines throughout Judah and even in the vicinity of Jerusalem." (2 Kings 23:4,5)

Josiah cleaned up the entire country and yet, not long after his death, the next king, Jehoahaz, changed it all back. The nation of Judah was once again worshipping false gods and idols. Look at what is happening right now within our country. I do not remember a time where there has been more hate for God and specifically Christianity. It pains my heart.

We need to double our efforts to share Jesus with this world, our country, and within our communities. We cannot give up even though the darkness surrounds us. We cannot lose our boldness. We cannot hide in our homes and isolate ourselves from this troubled world. When Jesus told us to GO in Matthew 28:19 he didn't say, "Go unless it really gets bad out there!" He just said Go! 

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The people of Judah, King Josiah, was fighting the same battle we fight right now. 3000 years have gone by and the battle hasn't changed. Everything else had changed but my God does not change and he is the same God today. He is the God who longs for each and every person in this world. He is the same God of righteousness, justice, grace, mercy, and love. Yes, the world marches on, but God is our Rock and he is our only hope!

"Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence." (Psalm 102:25-28)

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange new ideas...." (Hebrews 13:8,9a)