Shade Tree Wisdom 8/19/07

Why are they so different?

History shows that when religion is involved, terrible things often happen. More people are abused and exploited in the name of religion than in any other way. That is a terrible truth. And that is why God sent prophets to bring people back to HIS way, walking His truth, living under His direction.

Prophets sniff out injustice, especially the kind dressed up with religious garb. Prophets see through hypocrisy, they are not impressed by power or authority. They listen to God only and test language and action in light of what they hear.

Amos in the Bible is such a man. And if we hear him talk, maybe it explains why they are so different. I mean people who claim to be religious. Why are there so many different churches, each claiming the one truth? Why do they often misread what seems to be so plainly written?

Well, Amos had a word about that. He said to the people, “You act as if the day of destruction is far away, while you have crime sitting near you” Amos 6,3. Then He added this terrible threat: “The days will come, says the Lord GOD, when I will have a famine come into the country, not of hunger for food or thirst for water, but of hearing what the Lord says.” Amos 8, 11.

It can’t mean us! Why, look at all the churches we have. Look at the many TV and radio programs going on. And look at all the programs we have for children, even, little tots, for youth, for adults,. And for the seniors. And, as you must know, the Bible is the most printed Book in the history of this world.

That brings up the question, why are they so different? Jesus did say, and anyone can read this in their own Bible, “No man cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME”.

So explain.

There is a truth held among all honest Bible scholars. “Scripture interprets scripture.” This simply means if one passage is not clear, another in a different book will make it clear. God is always clear in teaching us. And that is what many forget, to seek the whole truth, to read it all for understanding. Not take some single line, or part of a verse, and say this is what it means. Have a care, because God’s will is to save all nations. He wishes to save everyone, and when they are lost, it is because they do not pay attention to His call in Christ by the Holy Spirit.

May our ears be open always to His Word.

GPD 8/19/07