Deuteronomy 28:66-67
Your life shall hang in doubt before you. Night and day you shall be in dread and have no assurance of your life. 67 In the morning you shall say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and at evening you shall say, ‘If only it were morning!’ because of the dread that your heart shall feel, and the sights that your eyes shall see.
There is an old and pessimistic phrase from the 80’s that is off color but ends, “…and then you die”. At the end of Deuteronomy, which brings to a close the five books of the law, Moses informed the people of the curses for disobedience. The chapter ends with the mood that will pervade the land when these curses take place. It describes an aimless existence, with no joy, and no interest in anything except getting life over with. The sad thing about it is they were also presented with blessings for obedience at the beginning of the chapter. If only they’d listened.
This mood pervades the world at this point in history, even though sociologists call it the most peaceful time in history. The rising suicide rates point to the loss of a different kind of peace, which is the one accompanied by hope. So many people live their lives to get through the day, and then get through the night…and then you die. If only they would read the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They would see good news that would turn their mourning into dancing. Remove any doubt about your life. Whatever happens on earth, everything will be alright because of Jesus Christ.
O Heavenly Father, you have created the earth and the coming kingdom to show your love for your people. Give them the hope of Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.