Observation: The Lord is reviewing the ongoing poor behavior of mankind, and making reference to a future Messianic redemption. When the people ask "what did we do wrong?", this is one of the answers ... the people have effectively decided that doing whatever prospers them on earth must be "right" because the outcomes are positive, and God clearly doesn't punish them.
The Lord even knows that, on earth, evil often prospers, and there are those who consciously dare God to punish them and he does not ... on earth, in earthly terms, in their lifetimes. That isn't the final outcome, however.
Application: I see all around me those who not only do what is evil, but even know their actions are contrary to "Christian" rules. They see the positive outcomes, and therefore actively declare that either: a) their actions are truly good and it is Christian ideals that are outdated, wrong, or even evil; and/or b) since there is no punishment from God, God must not exist, or is 'dead', or at best doesn't care.
I don't just see this. I have been told it. And those who don't say it, either think it or have progressed so far in their evil thoughts that they aren't even aware that there might be a God-based conversation to be had about their ideals, behaviors, and thoughts.
When I read about the most evil places and times in the bible, so often the parallels to modern-day Pacific Northwest United States are shocking. May we somehow awaken this region.
Prayer: Lord, as much as I struggle with this mission field, where you have placed my family and my church, I also see how much we are needed here. Please send more helpers. Please give us strength to do your will. Please give us, and especially me and my family, protection in our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies, as we struggle to be different from those around us. Amen.
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