Scripture Is A Valuable Asset When Reading The "Tea Leaves"!
- John Bost
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
It's hard to read the news each morning as I observe the response of our national leadership and the suffering inflicted upon low income citizens, as well as the scores of immigrants who came to America in hope of respite.
Though its hard to accept, perhaps all this is now necessary given that gangs and drug cartels have advantaged themselves of the moment with criminal intent?
Yet, that criminal opportunity has largely been created due to a flawed system which greed has long pushed out of kilter. That in turn promotes poverty among the working class, breeding unrealistic stessors that promote substance abuse, even among "successful" white collar folk!
Thus the lucrative market for criminal activity...a big business, though ruthless!
Parenthetically, the majority of the masses are the "falling through the cracks" working class, victims of our economy and educational system, or failed systems within the third world countries from which they have fled.
Most of the latter are hard working folk who have carried our nation's blue collar workforce of late, parents hoping for a new life for themselves and again, the amazing American dream for their chldren.
The directives now being issued to control our spreading unrest are a little frightening. Especially given the recent alliances with the likes of ElSalvadorian leader, President Nayib Bukele.
The sad irony, Bukele's actions are now being applauded as a necessary remedy given where that country has gone, which further sanctions an autocracy. (See link).
God forbid this authoritarian approach is necessary in America, yet history records such cyclical behaviour moments among humans. The ancient prophet Isaiah even speaks of such moments:
Isaiah 1:21-23 NIV
"See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them."
Scripture is a valuable asset when "reading the tea leaves" of our times, but there is Good News, for the prophet then reassures recovery in Isaiah 1:25-26: "I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” However, the recovery is seldom without pain. God help us in this season.
What a moment in my long life and once again dumb-struck by how often the pace of my annual read through scripture aligns with my personal walk. Especially this week, given the timing and title of my latest book release taken from Isaiah 1:18: "Come Let Us Reason Together."
I hope you will grab a copy.
In my county we have one county leader who bullies our citizens every time they try and speak during the public address session. This reminded me of your morning catalyst.