Extremes

Many of us who lived through the 1950s and 1960s fondly recall The Andy Griffith Show. How we remember that Mayberry’s sheriff and his son did not have a care in the world when they went fishing! Thinking about them, I am impressed at how simple life should be and how extreme it has become. The recent explosion of technology and the growing political, social, global turmoil filling headlines today is a stark reminder to me of how far we have come—or fallen—from times of peace. Depending on where you are and who you talk to, you will find that we are living in an “extreme” world.

Abraham Lincoln said that all men are born equal, and this might be so, but they do not stay that way. From birth some are blessed with the best of everything while others seem to fall on hard times—and can never rise. A world where everyone has the same opportunity and chance to use their God-given talents and abilities seems like an impossible dream—a utopia only hinted at in radical political philosophies and fantasy stories.

The prophet Isaiah probably would be laughed to scorn for his visions of a coming world of peace, prosperity—and quietude! Imagine his vision: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6). And notice earlier that he predicts a government and ruler who will bring never-ending peace (Isaiah 9:6–7)! This world is also a place where people will be free to live and grow in their own space—without the constant threat of losing everything to hostile enemies, or living in abject poverty with no chance to have a meaningful purpose or goal (Micah 4:3–5). Is this possible? Not in our world of electronic marvels and brutal competition, but it will exist in the world when Jesus Christ returns (Jeremiah 23:5–7; Revelation 20, 21)! The scientific and technological promises of man’s future world have led to division, financial ruin, sickness and disaster. Yet, the visions of Isaiah and the other prophets still stand, and hold great promise for those who can see through the clutter. Scientific pursuits are fine and dandy, until false values and equally false agendas get in the way of simple enjoyment of life.

When I was a boy I would read about the comic book detective adventures of Dick Tracy and his wristwatch radio. Life was so simple then that the thought of future electronic inventions like that was comical. Yet here we are in the middle of that boyhood fantasy, and even the average citizen has electronic marvels that far surpass those of Dick Tracy. I saw my first TV when I was eighteen and saw people on the moon when I was forty, and am amazed at the rapid growth. Yet, for all the marvels and wonders we have, how many people are unhappy? How many around the world go hungry? How many children die every day, when life should be more valuable than the many vain material things we see people striving for?

Going back to Isaiah 66:1–2: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one I will look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” There is a place in the world for electronic wonders, but there is a more important place in the world for someone who takes time to enjoy a sunset, to look on the face of a child—and to put their trust in the guidance and sovereignty of Almighty God.

If you want to know more about God’s purpose and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and how this extreme and chaotic world will truly be changed to one of peace and prosperity (Isaiah 65:17), order our free booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? In the meantime, watch the informative telecast, “The Soon-Coming Utopia.”