Devotionals

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There is an old saying: “If you’re riding a dead horse, dismount”. Of course for a range of reasons the behavioural patterns we adopt, the things we believe in and the patterns we get our lives into, are hard to change even when faced with overwhelming evidence.

Last year in sunny Queensland, Operation Echo Track was set up by local police to monitor the transfer of funds from Queensland to Nigeria. The reason was to uncover those unfortunate people who had been taken victim of what we know as Nigerian email scams. 134 victims were detected who had lost over 18 Million Dollars. The police unit contacted each person involved and explained the nature of the deception. What has really surprised and confused the police is that upwards of 75% of the people contacted have continued to send money overseas, even after the police informed these same victims of the scam. In the face of compelling evidence delivered by the police, most of the victims continued to believe the promises coming to them via email. Even after repeated warnings from the police, people have continued to send money. Is it greed, stupidity, or is it a much more common human trait that causes humans to make the wrong choice, even in the face of overwhelming evidence?

Like a gambler who believes the next bet will change his run of bad luck or an alcoholic who is going to give up tomorrow, we humans don’t easily change course. Over the years I have talked with many people who do not believe in God and see no reason to start. We talk about the extraordinary person of Jesus and it is lost in a glaze of indifference. We discuss the value of knowing the God who created us and finding our purpose and hope, but the next pay rise or job promotion seems too pressing. We remember the impact of faith through the centuries and the legacy of love and grace, but the TV set in the corner doesn’t even get turned off. We reflect about the merciful offer of forgiveness and a fresh start and then, in not so subtle ways, I am reminded that this God stuff is really just not cool.

Though Jesus too was widely ignored, critiqued and rejected by his contemporaries, He had an unusual way of coping. When He told a truth, often through innocent earthly stories, He would remind people: "He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13: 9

In the end truth is not determined by popularity or reception, but rather we are judged by the truth. For the 25% who listened to Operation Echo Track, their nightmare has ended and they are on a path to restoration.

For those who receive the love of God in Christ there is worship, freedom and hope.

…. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 31-32 (NIV)

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