Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

It struck me when I first started reading just now that this verse describes what many people in the US have recently done, voting for big government and socialistic policies. You would think that the lock-downs would be a clear signal, but the population has been groomed for this for the past 50 years or more. It’s much like how sexual predators groom children to make them think what is going to happen is OK or normal. Granted, there has been a lot of outright election fraud this time around, but even that couldn’t have succeeded without a lot of “useful idiots.” It is striking to me how many immigrants to the US from socialist countries are sounding the alarm right now. Barring a miracle (which is always possible) the next two years, at least, are going to be very trying times for any genuine lovers of liberty. However, the Church has survived Roman emperors and worse, and Jesus is certainly still Lord. If things continue on the current apparent course, the divide between darkness and light will become ever clearer, and commitment to Jesus Christ will really start to mean something. That could really be a good thing, though it will certainly disrupt business-as-usual for the vast majority of churches. The saddest part of this is thinking about all the people who will welcome it, at least initially. Jesus’ words are sadly true: “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

Living in Japan as I do, there is a distinct air of unreality to all of this. It is bizarre that Japan has had nowhere near the reaction to the corona virus that America has had, when America is the “Land of Liberty.” It makes the spiritual warfare factor all the more clear. The question remains of how I am to respond to all of this. In the first place, I am to keep praying, and not just for a miracle in the next two weeks. I am to pray that current events will be a sufficient wake-up call to God’s children, so that those who are genuinely His may commit themselves to Him fully and be the salt and light they should have been all along. I am to live my own life in the liberty of the Holy Spirit, (2 Corinthians 3:17) whatever society around me is doing. I am to speak the truth in love, regardless of the consequences, and remember that God can and does turn absolutely anything around for good, for those who are committed to Him. (Romans 8:28)

Father, I certainly didn’t expect to be political when I sat down, and I know many people who read this are going to be disappointed that I did so. However, I know that You care about everything, and I remember what You had Peter write: “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) May I keep my eyes on Jesus and be faithful, so that Your will may be done in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!