"God is Faithful"

24 Mar 09
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

God is Faithful
1 Corinthians 10:6-13

The lesson of history is that man doesn’t learn from history. The recent financial turmoil is a sad reminder of this. The world was drunk, so to speak, when impressive and easy gains were offered. People played the securities markets even though they are known to be of un-sustainable foundation. It is not unlike the self-created idolatrous belief in the power of the Golden Calf to lead and provide.

Millions of seemingly innocent people have suffered unimaginable loss. Were they innocently enticed by marketing schemes promising attractive and easy gains instead of contentment with stable returns in cautious saving? It is difficult to admit it was no less than greed succumbing to the temptation of financial promises.

The wilderness wanderings of the Israelites were written for our instruction. God’s people should listen and take heed. It is scary to witness the collapse of the most august institutions whose names were synonymous with the creation and growth of the modern financial systems.

Would people ever learn from history? While regulations may be necessary, they are not of more value if the underlying issue is not recognized and addressed. We must ask for grace to have the courage, humility and honesty to name the true underlying cause of the crisis.

We are exhorted to ask the Lord for wisdom. The Lord does not tempt but man tempts himself in his own weakness and greed (Jas 1:5, 12-15). Indeed, the Lord is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. He has kept faith by first sending His only Son to live on earth and walk resolutely against temptations. The “way of escape” is not the absence of temptations but confronting these temptations by the power of the Cross. Paul declares that we are more than conquerors because of God’s unconditional love (Rom 8:31-39). Our confidence and ability to endure surely comes from this wisdom and this alone!

(The Most Rev Dr John Chew,
Bishop of Singapore & Primate of the Province
Of South East Asia (Anglican))

Commitment:
Lord, I surrender my wisdom and human confidence in standing up to temptation through your faithful provision of “the way of escape”, the Cross of Christ.

Prayer:
Lord, grant me the peace, wisdom, humility and courage not only to name the real temptation in life but also to embrace the real “way of escape” in the power of the Cross Amen.