|
The Bible Says
In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, “Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me.” Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans.” He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, “You have a few months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for forty days and forty nights.” Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark. “Noah” He roared, “I’m about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?” “Forgive me, Lord,” begged Noah, “but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I’ve been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I have violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. “Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. “Getting the wood was another problem. There is a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! “When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. “Then the EPA ruled that I couldn’t build the Ark until they’d conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. “I’m still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I’m supposed to hire for my building crew. “Immigration and Naturalization is checking the green card status of most of the people who want to work. “The trade unions say I can’t use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience. “To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. “So forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark.” Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean you are not going to destroy the world?” “No.” said the Lord. “The government beat me to it.”
That story about Noah is, of course, a little far-fetched since Noah does not live in America, and never has; but it illustrates the sad fact that human government can become too large for its own good. Take for instance the U.S. Tax Code now under the control of a system known as IRS. According to the Tax Foundation, the total taxpayers cost for IRS administration, enforcement, record keeping, tax filing, advice and collection was $194 billion last year. This sum is roughly the size of the total budget in 1970. I am not going to even suggest how this problem should be resolved. Politics is not my chief responsibility. I am called to the Gospel Ministry. My message is so simple and clear that all can understand it: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31 NKJB).
This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s Charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its Grand Subject, our good its decision, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered for ever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its sacred contents.
- Priscilla Howe, Uncle Ben’s Quotebook, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJB).
|