I believe that 2020 holds many insights for those who embrace Scripture as the inerrant Word of God. Believers always witness the Lord’s active hand through their biblical worldview. As such, the Word proves infallible over and over again to discerning souls.
Let’s consider six truths that God has provided us and assess them against 2020:
God Rebukes Man’s Arrogance (Psalm 119:21-You rebuke the arrogant, the cursed, who wander from Your commandments.)
Since the end of World War II, developed nations have touted advancements in technology and knowledge while pointing to man’s “limitless potential.” In many respects, modern goals are not so different from those of Nazi Germany’s National Socialism platform. Eugenics, occultism, racial divisiveness, weapons advancements, human experimentation, and other endeavors underpin the globe’s desires to protest the living God.
But in an instant, the world can be reminded of its limitations. COVID-19 showed us that we are indeed feeble. Man will always stumble in this existence due to his sinful nature. And it is God’s business to deal with the world by allowing crises and disasters. I am often reminded of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) when analyzing all of man’s pet projects on this earth. Because of rebellion, the world’s aspirations are doomed to failure. God is speaking, is arrogant man listening?
We Reap What We Sow (Galatians 6:7-Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.)
Murder, greed, pride, hate, hedonism and misplaced loyalty propel us to civil and global war. The sin cycle is perpetual on this earth, and it will always lead to the same results as conveyed by human history. In 2020, American streets were ablaze with anger and violence. This dilemma has been decades in the making, and it will not be disappearing. The nation has cherished false idols and has turned from God. As an example, her Christian churches have embraced the culture and its offerings with no real commitment to Jesus Christ. Is it any surprise that neighbor hates neighbor?
Unrepentant hearts seek God’s blessings in the current chaos, but often those hearts ignore the Lord’s ordinance of sowing and reaping. Sin will always have consequences on personal and national levels (Job 4:8). It is insincere for us to ask God to bless us and give us a “get out of jail free card” to avoid the effects of sowing poison. May we pray for sincere repentance as the world dissipates.
The World is Passing Away (1 John 2:17-The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.)
The Christ follower understands that the world is not sustainable. 2020 is affirmation that it is folly to cling to a temporary existence. While the world may realize some human technological advances, escaping or bypassing the earth’s destruction are not in God’s plan for mankind. Scripture tells us so (2 Peter 3:12). As believers look at chaos of the present, we anticipate a new creation and existing eternally with our Lord (2 Peter 3:13). Those who hold Scripture as inerrant see God’s Word unfolding in real time.
Jesus is Rejected in Favor of Darkness (John 3:19-This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.)
In America, cultural Christians desire freedom to make all personal dreams come to fruition. Obviously, this contradicts following Christ’s commands and giving up all for Him (Matthew 16:24). Many have managed to convince themselves that they can embrace cultural values while keeping Christ in their back pockets as an “eternal insurance policy.” Furthermore, human disposition looks for a political savior that will meet perceived immediate desires. By our actions, we demonstrate faith in fleshly leaders while not keeping the commands of Christ (John 14:15). Rejecting the Light for a worldly savior allows men to hold on to darkness.
God is Sovereign (Psalm 115:3-But our God is in the heavens;He does whatever He pleases.)
God reigns over all events in human history. Even Satan has to seek the Lord’s approval to act (Job 2:1-6). God is spirit (John 4:24), and He is omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:24). While the Lord’s sovereignty is a difficult concept for human pride to digest, it is a clear biblical truth. Everything that occurred in 2020 and everything that will occur in 2021 is ordained by the purpose of God. He will deal with man and His creation according to His plan. For the Christ follower, God’s oversight of all things serves as a pillar for faith. The Lord is in control.
Jesus is the Only Hope (John 3:16-“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”)
2020 has reminded us that life’s dreams are fleeting and that sinning is not sustainable. Acting in our own power will not bring us to personal fulfillment. Nor is it possible to escape accountability via prosperity, pleasure, or entertainment. Escapism only lasts for a brief moment of time.
Jesus Christ is the only hope. In God’s sovereignty, He sacrificed His only Son to save those who would believe and turn from sin. We should praise our omnipotent God for His love (2 Corinthians 9:15). Against the backdrop of this undependable world, every believer should be filled with the joy of anticipating God’s eternal and unchanging promises.
Matthew 24:25
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
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