Change is a normal part of life but not all change is the same. Some forms of change surprise us, catches us off guard, captures our attention. For example, take the American revolution. This event was unexpected and had significant consequences for world history. This week I had two experiences which I believe are indications that the world is currently undergoing unexpected and considerable change.
On Tuesday I received a spam call. I get these often. I sometimes answer them, sometimes don’t. I answered this one and proceeded to share the gospel with the telemarketer. To my surprise, after I said something like, “Is the Lord Jesus your Savior?” the caller didn’t hang up. Instead, he talked to me for fifteen minutes about the gospel. The man was a thirty-something year old Muslim from Pakistan. We discussed the Trinity, the Bible, the Quran, Mohammed, and prayer. It was an incredible conversation. Through the development of technology, I was able to share the gospel in Pakistan while I was in Pierre, SD.
On Wednesday I read an article about Pope Francis’ support for civil union laws for same-sex couples. In a newly recent documentary, entitled “Francesco,” Pope Francis is reported to say,
Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They’re children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it. What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered.
Never has a pope spoken like this. Francis’s language is very different than how the Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of homosexuality as “intrinsically disordered,” “contrary to natural law,” “under no circumstances can [it] be approved.” The Roman Catholic Church seems to be changing their stance on the sinfulness of homosexuality.
Change is upon us. The ground is shifting beneath our feet. We must be prepared for the future by remembering that God is in control. Regardless of how bleak (or positive) the outlook is, we must remember that God’s purposes will stand. Let us say with Tim Tebow, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.”
Pastor Chance