Great Provocations

The cordial atmosphere in the Oval Office suddenly changed to open hostility. Tempers flared as political allies who had gathered for a ceremonial signing were suddenly provoked when one leader tried to make the meeting more than ceremonial, raising issues that others felt were better discussed elsewhere. The highly publicized deal collapsed into an angry, name-calling shouting match, captured by television cameras, before the leader making his appeal was unceremoniously ushered out of the White House as the world watched in dismay at this potentially disastrous—but ultimately temporary—collapse of diplomacy.

Such is the outcome of great provocations, of which there are many examples. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a violent attempt to reclaim disputed territory, provoking a bloody, ongoing war. On October 7, 2023, Hamas provoked Israel with a savage attack that has divided the nations of the world in its destructive aftermath, even as an uneasy ceasefire is underway as negotiations drag on for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The United States’ imposition of tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China is seen by those countries as a provocation, though these same countries have historically imposed tariffs on U.S. goods. The economic consequences will become apparent in the weeks and months ahead. The countries that comprise the European Union are also roiled by these events, and are seemingly united in their desire to rearm without U.S. help, lessening their long-standing dependence on the U.S. and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

While national leaders, legislative bodies, and political parties try to sort all this out to protect their own interests and those of their peoples and nations, there is a source of provocation of which they are not aware.

The Bible gives the perspective of our Heavenly Father on a provocation worthy of His response. Through the ages, mankind has ignored the plain instructions God has given for the good of all humanity. Moses recorded that God said, “Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29). Sadly, even as these divinely-inspired rules for living were given, Israel engaged in idolatry and “rose up to play” (Exodus 32:6). Moses reminded them of this in Deuteronomy 9:8, stating, “Also in Horeb you provoked the Lord to wrath, so that the Lord was angry….”

The prophet Isaiah was inspired to give God’s judgment of ancient Israel, which mirrors the condition of mankind today: “Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked to anger the Holy one of Israel, they have turned away backward” (Isaiah 1:4).

The Apostle Paul predicted the troubled conditions plaguing society today. In 2 Timothy 3:1–5, he wrote that “in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

If you follow current events, I think you will agree that Paul nailed it.

While one cannot change the world in this age, people can change themselves by obeying the instructions that God has established for humanity. Paul also wrote, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). So, how do we assuage this provocation against God caused by our disobedience to His commandments? The Apostle Peter explained what is required for forgiveness and reconciliation in Acts 2:38: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Embarking on this way of life may require significant personal change, but the resulting peace of mind and transcendent purpose makes it all worthwhile. If you want to know more, the study guides What Is a True Christian? and Restoring Original Christianity can be read or ordered right here at TomorrowsWorld.org, free of any charge.