GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION
INTRODUCTION
Gravity of the situation refers to the seriousness or grave importance of a particular situation emphasizing that the matter requires careful consideration due to potential consequences. There are many instances in God’s Word that reveals the seriousness of matters at hand; then God’s divine intervention taking place.
When one is seemingly at their darkness hour it is then that the shining light of God’s glory comes on the scene. Such a time is reported by the Prophet Isaiah concerning the future glory of Zion (Israel). Isaiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
Darkness shall come upon the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon you and his glory shall be seen upon you (Isaiah 60:1-2). Isaiah foreseen a time when Israel would arise out of darkness and shine with God’s glory. We have witnessed this manifestation many times over with God’s hand intervening on behalf of Israel.
Gravity of the Situation
False Gods
A time when the gravity of the situation was identified by Apostle Paul when he was in Athens ministering during his second missionary journey. The writer of the Book of Acts reported that while Paul waited for them (other missionaries - Silas and Timothy) at Athens, his spirit (inner being) was stirred (provoked within) him, when he saw the city was wholly given over to idolatry (idol worship) (Acts 17:16).
Paul used an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD, in an attempt to dispel the darkness of pagan worship by identifying the true God; that in him we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:26). Paul allowed the Spirit of God to utilize him towards identifying the truth rather than the people continuing to ignorantly worship false gods so readily available at that moment.
I thank God for those whose spirit is stirred (provoked), as Paul’s, in witnessing what is happening today, understanding the gravity of the situation, as ungodliness flourishes, appeasement and tolerance allowing such to take place, rather than take a stand as Apostle Paul. The writer of the Book of Acts reported the result: Some mocked; and others said, we will hear you again of this matter….howbeit certain men clave (joined) to him (Paul), and believed (Acts 17:32-34).
Sodom and Gomorrah
Apostle Peter noted the gravity of the situation in regard to circumstances concerning Lot, in the city of Sodom, in reporting that Lot was vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked (those in Sodom); for this righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds (2 Peter 2:7-8).
Just prior to reporting about Lot, Peter revealed that God spared not the old world (pre-Flood days of Noah), but saved Noah the eight person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the ungodly. Upon Lot and his family’s deliverance, Peter noted that God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that after (afterward) should live ungodly (2 Peter 2:5-6).
Sodom was known for its homosexuality (Genesis 19:5), there is a flourishing of such activity today, rather than being condemned as sin, the gravity of the situation is that it is being openly displayed with pride and encouragement even to the youth of the land.
Change in Venue
The gravity of the situation is in that ungodliness is being promoted with relish rather than being condemned. Thank God for godly leadership that is seeking to return to the path of righteousness and holiness established in God’s Word. Thank God for a renewed hope being extended with godly individuals taking a stand, without compromise, as Apostle Paul in Athens.
Thank God those that have risen up to offset what is being taught in the schools towards immorality rather than morality. Thank God for His mercy being extended, at the moment, instead of wrath as in the case of the pre-Flood days of Noah, and Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit (Revelation 18:2).
Scripture reveals: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). There are those who are still suppressing the truth but thank God for those willing to be as little David who opposed the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45).
Camouflaging the Truth
The gravity of the situation comes into foreplay when churches no longer present the truth of God’s Unadulterated (Pure) Word. There is an inroad to injustice with those who attempt to offset God’s Word towards acceptance of current lifestyles that are condemned in God’s Word; with a progressive social gospel being presented. Apostle Paul warned concerning those who would deviate or teach that which is contrary to God’s Word, in writing: If any man preach any other gospel to you than that which you have received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:10).
Paul in recognizing the gravity of the situation, with the Galatians, in writing: I marvel that you are so soon turning away from him that called you unto the grace of God to another gospel, which is not another, but there be some (false teachers) that trouble you, and would (want to) pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7).
In regards to remaining steadfast in the doctrine, Paul told Timothy, a young evangelist: Continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; that from a child you have known, the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
Failing to Recognize
the Truth
The gravity of the situation is revealed in the following text: If the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded (Noah Webster).
It was noted that where there is no fear of God, no reverence for God, every evil can and will abound. The idea that we humans will be good without God is a deceptive fallacy. When people are devoid of the knowledge and wisdom that come from believing God and having reverence for Him, they become morally corrupt, exceedingly evil, violent and destructive.
Wise and Foolish Contrasted
The gravity of the situation is revealed in scripture which gives the contrast between the wise and foolish: As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25). The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the perverseness (deceit) of transgressors (unfaithful) shall destroy them (Proverbs 11:3).
He that walks in his uprightness fears (reverences) the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways is despised of him (Proverbs 14:2). Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach (shame) to its people (Proverbs 15:34). There are evils that God condemns or warns of the gravity of the situation if one follows such a path.
Separation Required
The gravity of the situation required Apostle Paul to write: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what that is good, and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
Then, in speaking the words of the Lord, wrote: Come out from among them (the world), and be you separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Apostle John wrote: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
There is a tenancy towards having a half-hearted commitment to God while embracing the world at the same time; with the world being made more attractive by the traits that John called out: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; then John stated: The world passes away, and the lust thereof, but he that does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:16-17).
Conclusion of the Whole
Matter
King Solomon testified of the fallacy of worldly gain: I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem; whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy, then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought (accomplished), and on the labor that I had labored (toiled) to do; and all was vanity (futility) and vexation of spirit (grasping for the wind); and there was no profit under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:9-11).
Then Solomon proclaimed: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear (reverence) God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man; for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Jesus said: What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 17:26)?
Let the words of the Lord, and King Solomon captivate the soul of man, nourishing it towards a commitment to God, towards saving of the soul, rather than condemnation. Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.
GOT QUESTIONS A Website where Bible questions are answered. With over 7,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions published online, approximately 85% of the questions we are asked already have answers available to you instantly. This Website is an easy way to search out any questions you may have.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
-
World Domination
World domination is exercising of control to dominate; not just within a certain sphere but global domination involving economic, military, and geopolitical areas of control.