The Allure of Another Way

Have you ever wondered why the Israelites pulled away from God so many times in the Old Testament? Why did they stray, even when signs of God's presence was visible right in front of them? What exactly were they wanting? Do we ever demand so much of God and then turn our backs on him?

It's actually scary how fast and often the Israelites sometimes moved away from God's ten commandments and took another path. God brings them through the Red Sea and they still lose heart waiting on God's direction so they build a golden calf to worship. (Exodus 32) Years later they cross over the torrential Jordan River and conquer land only to begin idolatry of the god Baal as they learn from the people of the land. (Judges 2)

Granted, in the second case, they were learning to farm the land from the natives and took on all their rituals as part of the land caring lessons. But instead of showing the new people the ways of God and how to trust him, they incorporate the sexual homage styles of Baal worship into their lives. It's so sad to read of their backsliding. Then I wonder, do we ever do this?

Of course, I'm looking at it from 20/20 hindsight, where things are clear and easy to see. But when I turn my focus to today I realize not much has changed. My parents always said that to know what was taught behind closed doors of a home, look at the children. They will reflect the teaching. And they were right.

Churches were packed in the sixties and seventies, but by the way things stand now you can see that something happened. Somehow things non-church-goers found important became an attraction to church-goers and slowly replaced the importance of God in their lives. And the ways of God were not passed down as they should have been. The ways of the world have been so embraced that God has taken the back seat. Again, this makes me sad.

But just like in the Old Testament, there is hope. There is always forgiveness and a stepping back on track with God. And each time we step back on track we return with a greater knowledge of who our God is and what he is capable of doing for each of us. Once the nation of Israel faced their punishment there was always a return to live another day. Look at them now, two millennia later, they are a prosperous nation at the forefront of the news.

So, while many may be proclaiming doom for our culture I see hope in the compassion that is alive in some of our youth and young adults. I see an openness and searching that only God can fill and will fill. And most of all, I see people praying to God for help. There is hope. And in hope there is victory.