Wicked
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
Jonah 1:1-2
Wicked is such a strong word isn’t it. No wonder we have tried to mutate it into a word that means something entirely different.
But when you dig into it - it’s easy to get onboard with calling Nineveh a wicked city. The non-Biblical sources are pretty strong. This is a people who rejoiced in impaling people in the most painful way. Their policy was to displace whole populations so that they would be less likely to rebel. They loved war and peace was weakness.
But what would God say about our culture? About Australian or even more specifically, Northern Suburbs of Wollongong culture? What do you think?
Well, firstly. I think He would say some good things. It’s good that we care about justice. That we have police and judges to keep good order and people safe. I reckon He would say that our desire to give people the best care, whether it be disabled, sick or children is commendable.
However, I rekon God would have a few other things to say too. I think He would say our obsession with forms of entertainment - computer games, streaming, sports is often idolatry. We turn to these things for mindless fun rather than to Him for rest and joy.
I reckon God would also point out our greed. We turn a blind eye to what it takes to have a house with all the good technology. We work more hours than we should in order to pursue financial security and freedom.
Would God say that our culture is wicked? I think He would. I don’t think He would say it is the most wicked. Or the least. But I think there are many things of which we need to repent.
But of course the good news is that there is hope. Jesus has come to bring a better Kingdom. With a perfect culture. He died to save the wicked and to welcome them into His Kingdom. And He gives us His Spirit to fight our own wickedness and the evil of our culture.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father that He made everything good. Give thanks for Jesus who is restoring all things into God’s perfect Kingdom. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others resist the wickedness of our culture and pursue the Kingdom of God.
Jonah 1:1-2
Wicked is such a strong word isn’t it. No wonder we have tried to mutate it into a word that means something entirely different.
But when you dig into it - it’s easy to get onboard with calling Nineveh a wicked city. The non-Biblical sources are pretty strong. This is a people who rejoiced in impaling people in the most painful way. Their policy was to displace whole populations so that they would be less likely to rebel. They loved war and peace was weakness.
But what would God say about our culture? About Australian or even more specifically, Northern Suburbs of Wollongong culture? What do you think?
Well, firstly. I think He would say some good things. It’s good that we care about justice. That we have police and judges to keep good order and people safe. I reckon He would say that our desire to give people the best care, whether it be disabled, sick or children is commendable.
However, I rekon God would have a few other things to say too. I think He would say our obsession with forms of entertainment - computer games, streaming, sports is often idolatry. We turn to these things for mindless fun rather than to Him for rest and joy.
I reckon God would also point out our greed. We turn a blind eye to what it takes to have a house with all the good technology. We work more hours than we should in order to pursue financial security and freedom.
Would God say that our culture is wicked? I think He would. I don’t think He would say it is the most wicked. Or the least. But I think there are many things of which we need to repent.
But of course the good news is that there is hope. Jesus has come to bring a better Kingdom. With a perfect culture. He died to save the wicked and to welcome them into His Kingdom. And He gives us His Spirit to fight our own wickedness and the evil of our culture.
For Today:
- What do you think God would say is good about our culture?
- What do you think He would say is wicked?
- How are you going at resisting the wicked aspects of our culture?
Pray:
Praise the Father that He made everything good. Give thanks for Jesus who is restoring all things into God’s perfect Kingdom. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others resist the wickedness of our culture and pursue the Kingdom of God.
Posted in Jonah
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