The
Presbyterian Standard
The Magazine of the James Begg Society
More Viewpoint articles from past issues of the Presbyterian Standard are available online here.
HAVING worked in agriculture for many years prior to entering the ministry, and having owned and reared sheep of my own, I can sympathise in a small measure with those farmers who have had to face the prospect of slaughtering their livestock because of Foot and Mouth disease. A lifetimes work can be ruined in a matter of days, not to mention the heartbreak of seeing ones stock being destroyed.
It appears that the country is lurching from one crisis to another. On top of the agricultural sector, the fishing industry is facing disaster. Our rail system reels as one accident follows another. Even the weather seems to want to get in on the act as rain in December brought flooding, while snow in February brought chaos.
One reason for such a judgement - and judgement we believe it to be - is because our nation has disregarded the warnings of Scripture. Firstly, the determination by sodomites to corrupt our children. The repeal of Section 28 is but a symptom of this. If our nation embraces the principles of Sodom, it cannot but expect the judgement of Sodom to follow (Gen.19:24).
Secondly, drop-in centres in schools where schoolchildren are given advice on sexual matters - including abortion - without their parents knowledge let alone their consent. If our nation accepts immorality - coupled with the parental philosophy of Ahaz who offered up his children in the fire - it ought not to be surprised when the wrath of God ensues (2 Chron. 28:1-5).
Thirdly, the degeneration of Church life. The nation whose Church life primarily consists of liberal, Bible denying churches, some of which are so corrupt as to harbour immoral individuals, is a nation that cannot complain when God removes His favour (1 Cor 5:1-7).
Fourthly, the desecration of the Sabbath day. The nation that tramples under foot the Lord's Day, not calling it a delight the holy of the Lord, should not wonder at evil from His hand. (Neh.13:18)
Fifthly, the movement towards the EEC. If our nation capitulates further towards Europe and into the arms of the Pope of Rome, we should not stagger at the results. If we sow to the wind, we must expect to reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7).
This nation has known great spiritual blessings. We now scorn those blessings. We wonder at AIDS, Foot and Mouth, BSC, economic disasters. We should consider the proverb: "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov 14:13). Rather than question why our nation experiences crisis after crisis, we should marvel at the long suffering and patience of the Lord in the face of such abominations.