I’m sad but hopeful

Tue, Jan 17. 2012

Editor: The state of the society and world in which we live is quite saddening. Paul, the inspired writer, directed by the all wise God, knew well what he was writing when he said, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” The Apostle does not leave us ignorant as to the cause of these ‘perilous times’.{{more}} He goes on to describe the deterioration of the character of unrepentant, hardhearted men. He informs us, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 11Timothy 3:1-5

The crime situation in our country continues to sadden our hearts. Not even a good ten days have passed in the year and we hear of cruel, coldblooded murders. Teenage mother murdered, leaving three children behind… mother mourns the loss of young son who was thrown in a copper of boiling water…

The state of affairs is also sad politically. People are suffering in the country because they do not toe the red line, while the Prime Minister and other ministers continue with their divisive politics, politically convenient speeches and empty talk- ‘unswerving commitment to the poor’, ‘anti-poverty measures’, ‘poverty reduction’, ‘independent thought,’ blah, blah, blah. Where is the real action to support those ‘cherry’ embellished words? Why are people insulted and victimised for strongly expressing different political views? Why are some of the poor and needy neglected, while hard back (some working) ULP supporters receive ‘poor relief’ for their children, of whom they are well able to take care? Why are some government ministers praised for their negligent ‘out-of-placeness,’ while hard working Vincentians are victimised because they criticise the PM’s policies?

The young are often chided for their behaviour. While some of them are well deserving of rebukes, where are the parents and responsible adults in the home to provide guidance and good example for the young? The church leaders…why do so many hide behind the ‘cloth’? Why are they so weak, compromising and defensive of unscrupulous leaders?

The inhuman treatment continues in the wider world too. The Palestinian people continue to face terrible injustices and bloodshed at the hands of wicked Israelis, who are seen as “God’s people…no matter what”. The Jews in Israel who reject Messiah Jesus Christ, insult Jesus and Christians in their doctrines and behaviour, are sent millions of dollars, year after year, by some false prophecy-creating evangelicals Christians like American Preacher John Hague. Why? Why is all this wickedness being supported in the name of God? Why…?

The above is enough to make us real sad. Nevertheless, there is the All wise God who sees the works of men and “shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14. YHWH-God ruleth in the affairs of men whether they want to acknowledge it or not. A day of reckoning is coming when all wicked works will be fully exposed by the Light. The wicked will have their reward sooner than they think. The injustices, the murders, the hypocrisy, the non-consideration of the poor/needy, the arrogance… will not continue forever! The humble and faithful and obedient must patiently wait for that time. We must have hope in the sure word of Jesus Christ that an end will be put to wickedness and wicked men at His appointed time. Yes, sad we may be, crying and sighing for the abominations taking place all around us, but we are reminded by the LORD Jesus, Our Hope, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” Mat. 5:4. So, while there are many things that make me sad, I am hopeful.

Ann-Marie Ballantyne
svgpatriot@hotmail.com