By: Alson B H Percival (Venerable Dr.) Archdeacon of St. Kitts
In today’s world societal behaviour has shaped the world to the turf of hatred and favoritism than on truth and love. The persons responsible for the promotion of such condition are the rich and powerful and those in high and influential positions. Their schemes are successful because they target the poor, simple, destitute and less-fortunate. These are the people that Christ came to rescue from the clutches of those who exploited them. Christ actually befriended sinners, tax collectors, the impious, the ritually unclean, the poor, the prostitute, the dispossessed, and disenfranchised. Yes! Christ reversed traditional expectations. The powerful were the Herodians, Scribes, Priests and Sadducees, who were unable to retain their positions of privileged and influence in the coming Kingdom.
It is ludicrous and reprehensible that Alabama state auditor Jim Zeigler used Biblical examples of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Joseph and Mary to argue that Judge Roy Moore’s alleged relationships with a young lady at 14 years of age. is equal. In the first place both Zechariah and Elizabeth were “very old” “well stricken in age” when they became parents of John the Baptist. Secondly, Mary was indeed a young lady (a virgin) and Joseph was older; but, how much older? The Scripture does not say (see Luke 1:1-13).Third, in the recorded account of Joseph and Mary’s engagement and subsequent marriage, Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit. The record says, “and in the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the Angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the Angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:26-31 KJV).
Some of the Voters of Alabama and others who are using God’s Word to justify inappropriate behaviour and their illegal conduct should read the Prophet Isaiah’s warning when he spoke on matters of this nature, “You call evil good and call good evil. You turn darkness into light and light into darkness. You make what is bitter sweet, and what is sweet you make bitter. You are doomed! You think you are wise, so very clever” (see Isaiah 5:20-21). This is audacious behaviour not only of those who act in such manner, but on those who are condoning it. Isaiah has a word, “Everyone will be disgraced, and all who are proud will be humbled. But the LORD Almighty shows his greatness by doing what is right, and he reveals his holiness by judging his people (Isa. 5:15-16).
Matthew Henry in his Concise Commentary makes the point so that all of God’s children take warning “Let not any expect to live easily who live wickedly. Sin weakens the strength, the root of a people; it defaces the beauty, the blossoms of a people. When God’s word is despised, and his law cast away, what can men expect but that God should utterly abandon them? When God comes forth in wrath, the hills tremble, fear seizes even great men. When God designs the ruin of a provoking people, he can find instruments to be employed in it, as he sent for the Chaldeans, and afterwards the Romans, to destroy the Jews. Those who would not hear the voice of God speaking by his prophets shall hear the voice of their enemies roaring against them. Let the distressed look which way they will, all appears dismal. If God frowns upon us, how can any creature smile? Let us diligently seek the well-grounded assurance, that when all earthly helps and comforts shall fail, God himself will be the strength of our hearts, and our portion forever.”