What Is Wrong With the World?
A Solemn Reminder
When we look around, we see a lot of beauty, but there are also many signs of death and decay. It’s only a matter of days before a beautiful rose wilts and looks pitiful. It can be frustrating if we are looking for Heaven in this world.
Here are some reasons why the world is not anything like Heaven.
- He is not here.
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[ your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:11, NIV)
This is part of Jesus’ prayer before his crucifixion, death, and resurrection.
2. The evil one is here.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. (John 17:15–16, NIV)
This priestly prayer reminds us we have a real enemy, the devil. It’s important enough for Jesus to pray for our protection. If we let our guard down, we will fall victim.
3. It is futile here.
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope (8:20)
No amount of labor or effort will put things right. This world is a mess and will remain a mess long after we are gone. We groan and wait for the appointed time when Christ will restore everything.
Having said this, we are not to run to the hills or hide in some monastery. On the contrary. Jesus sends us into this fallen world as his missionaries.
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:18)
God has a plan to reconcile all things to himself. Let us start by praying,
“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.” (Luke 11:2, NIV)
