Recently I have been reminded of an Old Testament passage in the
book of Numbers. It is the story of the Israelites miserably
oppressed, and reduced to slavery by the Egyptians. Their lives had
become expendable.
Recently I have been reminded of an Old Testament passage in the book of Numbers. It is the story of the Israelites miserably oppressed, and reduced to slavery by the Egyptians. Their lives had become expendable.
By a miraculous series of events, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt. The desert though, is no picnic, and the Israelites began to whine and complain, “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and melons and the leeks and onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone.” (Numbers 11:4-6) Moses, in turn, complains bitterly to God, “Why have You been so hard on me? (and) laid the burden of this people on me? Was it I who conceived all this people? They weep before me…it is too burdensome for me. So if You are going to deal with me this way, please kill me at once.” (Numbers 11: 11-15)
A lot of people today are complaining about the situation in Iraq. It, too, is no picnic. Who on earth would return that country to the reign of terror under Saddam Hussein? (Check out the film “WMD – The Murderous Reign of Saddam Hussein” at http://www.WMD-TheMovie.com) Who would give it over to Muslim extremists and terrorists? The emancipation and establishment of a people is exceedingly trying.
The evil to be overcome in the process is insidious and tenacious. History makes that crystal clear. The human endeavor to free a people is fraught with human error. That is where the democratic process helps us – with laws to guide and restrain us, and a judicial system to keep us accountable.
Americans have ever been divided over our international involvement. People do not want to get involved in other people’s problems. It is a good thing we Americans in World War II. Other contemporary conflicts exist where we Americans, who enjoy such freedom and abundance, need to get involved. The people in the south of Sudan, for example, have been crying out for help for years.
And there are other wars where evil is guarded not by guns, but by bureaucracy, apathy and corrupt laws. The two most devastating conflicts on the face of our earth have left millions upon millions dead, and millions more orphaned. They are abortion and AIDS: The twin scourges of our planet.
It requires tremendous wisdom to determine which battles we enter. The choices are numerous. I am so thankful our president seeks divine help. He daily takes time with others to pray and study the Bible. In a world of issues clamoring for attention, such personal discipline and focus clears the way for clarity of thought and purpose. I admire President Bush. Though he might not be as polished and slick as some politicians, he is honest; and doggedly determined; and courageous.
Time and time again President Bush has spoken publicly on what he believes is right and true, fearless of the political consequences. In his first presidential race, when the candidates were asked whom they most admire, Bush replied, “Jesus Christ. He changed my life.” (He must have forgotten only Billy Graham may say such things in the media.)
President Bush has taken a stand for the preservation of the institution of marriage as between a man and a woman. He stands in opposition to the continued practice of abortion.
People love him or hate him – it is the ideological divide currently present in our country. The fact is, he will only be in office another four years. Let us not waste our time whining and complaining. Let us do all we can to remedy this world’s evil: Volunteer at the Pregnancy Care Center in Gilroy (volunteer anywhere actually); collect food for the hungry; give to agencies helping the poor worldwide; go to the poor; go help rebuild Iraq; write letters to politicians; send care packages to our soldiers; adopt orphans; pray.
This is the season of giving thanks and the giving of ourselves. So don’t complain – be thankful and give!
