Over the last year as I have spoken with people, observed, and kept up with current events, it is obvious that many people are struggling. We live in a world with an eroding value system that has abandoned the laws and principles of God. One leader recently declared that the Bible needs to be updated so it matches current social standards and gets rid of outdated rules. Donna and I usually watch House Hunters each week, which is a cable program that follows individuals and couples searching for their ideal home. It amazes us to see how many young couples who are not married or only engaged, buy a house and live together. What has happened to marriage as the first step in the process? We turn the channel when it is a same sex couple. Many would say that we are just outdated old fogies. But for any believer with a strong Biblical worldview, it is troubling to watch our culture degenerate morally.
One word that keeps coming to my mind, as I listen to Christians talk, is ‘weary’. People are weary. Peter writes about Noah in a world of ungodly people (2 Peter 2:5). He continues . . . He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (v7). The word Peter chooses for ‘oppressed’ is used only twice in the New Testament. It means one that is distressed, exhausted from labor, or worn out with toil. In other words, the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (v7) in Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot lived with his wife and two daughters had exhausted and worn him out. Sensual conduct means vileness and filth from sexual deviance. Stephen also used this word describing Israel’s oppression during their slavery in Egypt (Acts 7:24). They were exhausted and worn out.
Not only do we live in a world with declining morals, in addition, just as Jesus prophesied there is an increase in wars, plagues, famines, terrors, and earthquakes. The translation, earthquake, does not give the full scope of this word; it means disturbances in the earth, water, and air. This includes hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, and volcanoes. Persecution against Christianity is rapidly increasing around the world. Now Christian businesses in America are being mandated by the government to violate clear Biblical teaching. Some say our economy is on the road to recovery. However, I am sure more than a majority who are struggling from week to week, to pay their bills and feed their families would ask why the recovery has not yet reached them. All this can make the strongest believer weary, even exhausted and worn out.
Peter used some graphic wording describing the ungodly times of Noah and the lawlessness surrounding Lot when the LORD finally brought judgment on the world by the flood and raining down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. However, the central focus of these verses is the preservation of Noah a preacher of righteousness (v5), and the rescued righteous Lot (v7). The message for us is the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials (v9) that are making them weary.
Weariness is mentioned in several New Testament scriptures with some including a reference to hope. Paul admonished the Galatians, not to lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9). I think we all are tempted at times to throw our hands up in the air and shout, “I quit!” However, Paul is encouraging us to keep going and doing good, because a ‘due time’ is coming when we will reap a harvest.
If anyone had a reason to quit, it was the weary first century Jews who were being persecuted for accepting Jesus as their Messiah. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells them, consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:3). When we are struggling, we should consider, think over, and ponder all that Jesus did for us. The writer adds you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood (v4). Even in all their suffering, they had not yet reached the level of His example. Because He has been tested in every way as we are, He can sympathize with us and help us. Simply put, He understands what we are going through and promises His help.
Jesus spoke to a crowd of people ‘weary’ from the religious rules of the Pharisees. Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Mat 11:28). Sadly, the Pharisees are still around, imposing unbiblical rules, twisting Scriptures and making many believers weary. The key for rest is coming to Him.
The lessons for us when we are weary: Come to Jesus, keep going and doing good because a ‘due time’ is coming, and think about all He did for us. And tell yourself every day until change comes, the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.
I cannot imagine what it has been like for the thousands who have been affected by all the recent tornadoes, sifting through debris trying to find some resemblance of anything they once possessed. When I am weary from working on my house and tempted to grumble, I remember them and thank God that I have a house. But even more, I think about what Jesus did and realize I have done nothing in comparison.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Do not let the world keep you weary. The LORD understands and knows how to rescue you from your situation.