This is the title of a famous sermon preached by Dr. R.G. Lee years ago. A biblical and literary masterpiece, it is a lesson on God’s judgment of sin from the life of Ahab, King of Israel.
Dr. Lee described Ahab: “I introduce to you Ahab, the vile human toad who squatted upon the throne of his nation — the worst of Israel’s kings. King Ahab had command of a nation’s wealth and a nation’s army, but he had no command of his lusts and appetites. Ahab wore rich robes, but he had a sinning and wicked and troubled heart beneath them. He ate the finest food the world could supply — and this food was served to him in dishes splendid by servants obedient to his every beck and nod — but he had a starved soul. He lived in palaces sumptuous within and without, yet he tormented himself for one bit of land more…”
Ahab is a Bible example of those rulers who live for the lusts of the flesh. He is also a reflection of the nation he ruled; nations get government officials like themselves. Our country is no exception. We have thrown the Bible out of education, the home and government; we have scorned the preachers of righteousness and by Bible ignorance enabled the TV evangelists that peep and mutter for the almighty dollar.
We are in a confused process of national election for a President—our only choice is one who is the lessor of two evils. We have no possible choice of a godly President; our choices are based on economics and social ills–which one will stem the out of control national debt, secure our borders, and put more money in our pockets.
Our condition is that described by the prophet: “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind…” (Hosea 8:7). We have begun to reap the whirlwind. I received the following note a few days ago from a Christian businessman who spent over 20 years with an international company and is now reflecting on “days gone by”. It illustrates the coming “Payday” that is fast covering our land.
“A young man interrupted the morning church service spewing hateful disgusting speech. He was escorted from the grounds by two security officers hired by the church about a year and a half ago. He later called the church office with threats of violence and was then arrested at his home and put in jail. My wife and I have been going to this church since 1992 and this is the first such instance anything like this has happened.
It’s a sad commentary on the state of affairs in this country. Looking back, say to the 1950’s or 60’s– would anybody imagine that something like this would happen?
What about the mass shootings? I remember a book I read several years ago and I think the title was “Slouching Towards Gomorrah” which talked about the overall decline of this country.
I’m just a simple bean counter who as a kid earned a dime, bought a candy bar for a nickel and then took a nickel and saved it in a mason jar; I haven’t really changed that much. Look at the financial shape of our country. The idea that the country can spend its way to prosperity and run up a national debt of $20 trillion + is insanity—-it’s going to come to an end, and it won’t be pretty. I hate what is ahead for our kids and our kid’s kids. I am so glad to know that this place is not my home, I’m just a sojourner traveling through.”
The above summary by the man is right. Dr. Lee’s sermon theme is true. There is a “Payday Someday” for individuals and countries that forget God. Our payday has arrived and the whirlwind interest on our godless living has just begun. —Dave Reese, June 2016.
