Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
I’ve recently re-read H.G. Well’s novel “The War of the Worlds“. There is a particular scene in which the main character tries to explain to a group of his neighbours what he has witnessed occurring less than a kilometre from where they are standing. He tries to warn them to prepare themselves and get away as far as they can from the pending horrors. Their response was to mock and laugh at him and act as if they were in control. Frustrated, he walks away as an enemy prepares to lay waste to his community and all those doubters.
Many followers can find good in this world because there is good. They strive to be the light that shows people to Christ and share God’s truth and His blessings. However, I’m sure many have been left frustrated and concerned that their words seem to be falling on deaf earth. In our attempt to “save” people, we draw on our own devices and gimmicks and forget we are the second messenger on this journey; the Holy Spirit is the first. Our words and actions can show Jesus in a positive light, but we must not be so bold as to think we can do God’s work on our own. We need God’s wisdom and power to join Him on the mission to save the world. When frustration hits, don’t give up like the character in the novel. That is the time to drop on your knees and pray for doors to be opened and hearts changed. Philippians reminds us that there will be a time when all will fall on their knees and declare Jesus Lord. So, let’s adopt the posture and seek God.
H.G. Well’s book is apocalyptic in nature, referencing the end of the world and acknowledging how little control humanity has in managing its future. In the original story, the author doesn’t see man (Tom Cruise) as the hero working to save humanity but gives God the credit for humanity’s salvation. Man, influenced by the evil one, is able to fool others into thinking God is a bystander and we can control our destiny. But to anyone who has read the bible, especially the last book knows that only God is in control and His plan is the one we needed to follow. Praise God for His wisdom and love of humanity as He will not abandon us to be destroyed by our own vanity and pride.