If you can’t see the forest for the trees in this confusing, disturbing, and somewhat frightening world, you are not alone. It’s hard to know what to say that hasn’t already been said. (Interestingly the proverb was first used as a criticism of the Pope during the reign of King Charles II of England when pecuniary matters (financial rewards) took precedence over religious affairs).
If Jesus was only ‘spiritual’, he would never have been crucified.
But He chose to be in the world, and not of the world.
Which is what caused all the trouble.
World leaders with integrity, both in Church and State, seem to have dissolved into actions informed by relativity and personal convenience, rather than seeking the welfare of the greater good. Netanyahu, Putin, and Trump are all neck-deep in corruption, duplicity, and fabricating their own truths. Religion has jumped into bed with all three dictators and twisted spiritual truths to justify evil actions. In Russia it’s the Orthodox Church, in America it’s Evangelical Christians, In Israel it’s a devil’s pact between Zionism and Judaism.
This is not a matter of politics. It’s a foundation principle of character, integrity, truthfulness, and serving the common good. Character matters, irrespective of political leanings.
Despite many protestations, all three of these men seem to be marching ahead undeterred, creating havoc and killing zones to meet their corrupt agendas largely to save their wrinkled skins. Those three trees are aging fast, their time is running out, but right now they drown the sound of sweeter songs, and spoil the view where hope, dignity, and kindness dwell.
In order to find a better view and catch a glimpse of hope it is necessary to pull back until the individual trees blur into the massive forest that is greater and much more magnificent.
Drawing back provides perspective and perhaps even encouragement. Throughout history there are some sad and wonderful truths. Multiple bloody threads tied off with the good and courageous knots that inevitably triumph. The human predicament has never changed. Men and women left to their own resources, seeking private agendas, rise and fall. God’s goodness also never changes.
Three thousand years ago the writer of Psalm 49 wrote these words to help us with perspective. (Who says the Bible is irrelevant).
Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
No one can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for them—
the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough—
so that they should live on forever
and not see decay.
For all can see that the wise die,
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
Their tombs will remain their houses forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had named lands after themselves.
People, despite their wealth, do not endure;
they are like the beasts that perish.
This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
They are like sheep and are destined to die;
death will be their shepherd
(but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.
But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
he will surely take me to himself.
Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
when the splendor of their houses increases;
for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendor will not descend with them.
Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
and people praise you when you prosper—
they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.
People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish.
I am reminded of Jesus, dragged before Pilate as he faced his crucifixion. The conversation sounds so painfully contemporary, especially this small portion.
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” (John 19:10-12)
What do we witness here? Religious people paying more attention to keeping in the good books of Caesar, than being able, open, or willing to hear God through Jesus. Their stubborn agendas lead them to crucify the revelation and gift of the God – whom they profess to follow and worship!
We’ve all done the same in multiple ways. There are no pointing fingers here. Except, hopefully with awareness we begin to learn of our tendencies and lean more readily into the undeserved grace and mercy gifted through Jesus. Free will allows for all manner of atrocities that do not align with the love and character of God. Without Jesus, many would believe God to be like one of these three dictators. Unkind, self-serving, cruel, vindictive, and totally uncaring for those who suffer. Thankfully, He is nothing like them, or me, for that matter.
Right now I’ve lost faith in us, so I’m stepping back desperately desiring to see the forest and find God’s goodness despite my blindness. Therein is my hope, because I have no words or wisdom.
Googling God 
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