The most publicized and expected day of 2007 has passed. So much for the buzz and anticipation! As for me, yesterday was spent in worship, fellowship and meditation (as is my habit every Sabbath). I had the honor and privilege of presenting the first lesson of the quarter entitled: Adam and Eve: The Intended Ideal.
It was a very animated study, characterized by active participation from about everyone in the class. The weather was mild with plenty of sunshine and scattered clouds. It was a huge contrast to the conditions over the previous four to five weeks (with ominous looking cumulonimbus clouds covering the sky and rumblings of thunder), which left most of the midlands (UK) flooded - a catastrophe estimated to cost up to £1.5bn. The ambient temperature dropped to single digit figures during this period, which caused many to ask, “What happened to the summer?”
On 7th July 2007, I celebrated my tenth anniversary of internet-based ministry. Looking back over the last decade, so much has happened, but I reserve the complete testimony for my autobiography. It has been a long and often hard road. I have gained in wisdom, patience, knowledge and insight. Hey, I even have three gray hairs on my head. (I wonder what the next ten years shall yield! Whatever happens, I am determined to cleave to my Lord and my God.)
I felt no twinge of electricity; heard no pearl of thunder and saw no supernatural phenomenon, but in some strange way I sense that someone somewhere found what they were looking for. The world was a hive of activity. Some gathered to pray and fast, others to sing and dance yet for billions of people it was just another day in this journey called life. Some chose to have their wedding on this unique date. Incidentally holy matrimony was the main feature of our lesson yesterday.
In England there was fear of a repeat of the 07/07/05 - London terrorist attack. But thank God it did not materialize. Judging from the events of the last ten days, it appears more than likely that this was a very real and present peril. Curiously the failed attacks coincided with day one of Gordon Brown's premiership. Tony Blair stepped down officially on 27th June 2007, after ten years in office and of residency at number 10 Downing Street.
What a difference a decade makes! I may not understand all puzzles, but one thing I know is: the “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,” are still holding back the four winds. Never before has the world been in such turmoil. Those who study the Good Book will not be astonished when these things come to pass.
There is a sound of silence; words of long ago that are written in rock, truth that the shifting sands of time cannot erode, voices that are now nothing more than silent whispers, because they are drowned by the mayhem of modernity - yet they faithfully speak on. As the song says: “But my words like the silent raindrops fell; and echoed in the wells of silence…and the sign said, "the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls.” It is in the familiar places, where ordinary folks pass continually, that the words may be read and heard, if only they take time to listen. STOP! Open your eyes to the world around you! The handwriting is on the wall!
If you are searching for answers to life"s mysteries you will have to get acquainted with the secret of silence. We spend too much time talking and not nearly as much listening (except when we are watching TV). It is in the place of silence that great discoveries are made. Listen to the words of the preacher: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity (Proverbs 3:1,2).” Again the Word says: "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..." "Go and do likewise!"
We need to get back to the basics, the long lost knowledge and wisdom of the ancients. We will need to revisit our role as stewards of the planet, rethink our part in the course of the future and rediscover our place within the cycle of life (watch the Lion King I). What happens henceforth is down to every soul and every individual. Man will have to decide if he is not his own worst enemy.
At the rate things are going, the earth shall be rendered uninhabitable in the not too distant future. I recommend Kenny Rogers' song - "The Last Ten Years." “It's been quite a trip! Over thirty-six hundred spins around, without a cosmic slip. But within the realm, of our atmosphere, we're about as out of whack as we've ever been in a million years…but we best beware, there's a brand new fight you see…we even lost superman.” It's good food for thought.
