Under The Sun

“There is still time … brother”

The last shot from the movie “On The Beach” shouts the message from the doomsayers of that era. Forty years, a generation later, there is still time.

The earth-ending scenario feared from the end of World War II through most of the Cold War did not occur. In fact, none of the earth-ending scenarios put forth for serious consideration have been earth ending, have they?

I watch the movie early on a recent morning and thought of the fear evident. As a grade school student we held drills and were told if we saw the light to drop and cover. Then we practiced. Sometimes we dropped beneath our desks and covered the back of our necks. Others, we cowered in the halls.

There are places today where these drills remain a necessity.

I’ve read several stories of dire events in the future for the United States. I’m caught between understanding and ignoring. Understanding that such prophecies have been made before and come true – and such prophecies have been made before and never occurred.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be;

and that which is done is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing under the sun.

(Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV)

Yet we take it so for granted that the world is new to us each morning – that we start afresh. Both views are valid. There is no new thing under the sun because mankind continues to repeat the things from before.

We do it as a microcosm within our own lives. I firm believe that “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” yet I find myself insane – doing the same thing, and expecting different results. Over and over again I’ve seen greed and corruption; wars and rumors of wars; ungodliness and dishonesty.

Still I pray, as Paul instructed Timothy: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV)

To what end? For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV)

Amen.