Facing the consequences

Dr Robert Shimray *

Introduction: As for today’s talk, we would like to contemplate on our very present life situation. Of diverse beliefs and religion, the driving force behind it all is but meant for goodness. With the implimentation of every norm, standard and set of principles, an outcome is inevitable. As a reason there is cause and effect.

The inclusion or application of Christian perspective point of view in such discussion might sound a bit odd in general, but it is meant to support the better understanding concept of how our day to day life’s action was, is and will- face the formidable consequences.

Mysterious happening: Of late, either directly or indirectly, most of us are aware of the mysterious deaths/ killings of livestock in different places in our own state. How and what has caused such an omen is still amiss.

The writer is thus given the opportunity to express his ideas and opinions basing on Biblical point of view, pointing it not to tangible/ concrete solution but rather intangibly in an abstract concept.

Christian perspective: Of old, through Biblical context, Moses was used mightily by God of heaven. He is known to have written 5 books, to have included in compiling to form the book called Holy Bible.

According to the book of Liviticus 26:21 & 22, the third book written by Moses reads – verse 21, “If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your aflictions seven times more, as your sins deserve.” Verse 22, “I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle and make you so few in number that your roads will be deserted.”

In quoting from such particular book, we are not trying to draw the attention to the importance of the Holy Bible alone. For, all the religious books are but to teach and admonish mankind for better living. Like wise, as required and appropriate, we would like to draw the attention through it.

We now go back to the quotation of the book Liviticus 26:21,22 as read. It reads, “If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me.” What does it implicate ? The word ‘hostile’ and ‘refuse to listen’ imply pointing to the way today the world is.

It means the world has become an arena of competitions, resulting to all sorts of hatred, lies, robbery, killings etc. Whatever the concept, the world today has gone beyond the line of order, in which, the Almighty- who is in control of the universe is trying to let us learn a lesson.

With the warning, comes next the consequence and that is, “I will multiply your afflictions.” It’s not a surprise with the escalating afflictions that has come upon the planet earth. Look around you and see all the sufferings and deaths through killings, drugs, kidnapping, sexual assault etc. The world today has met its consequence reaching its climax.

In our own vicinity there is something amiss happening with no answer or solution to the present context problem. Let us get into the quotation again, “I will send wild animals against you, and……. , destroy your cattle…”

1. Why the happenings ?

You can have you own opinion or answer. But it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is the fulfillment of the prophecy as recorded and found in Liviticus 26:21 & 22, which is but a prediction thousands of years ago.

2. Is something wrong with us ?

Yes, we live in such a modern world of corruptions that have befooled us all. We have gone astray from the likeness of our creator. What ever is happening is either directly or indirectly the consequense of our actions. We are accontable.

3. What could be the solution to the problem ?

In short, we need to mend our sinful ways of life. We need confession and repentence, and learn to live a better and worthier life. Inclusively we need to rectify our practical and spiritual sides of life.

Conclusion: Horrified we are, with the mysterious deaths of livestock. But mind you, this is just the beginning. It is just a loss of your belonging or wealth. Let’s look back to the quotation again. Liviticus 26:22 “…….will rob you of your children….and make you so few in number that your roads will be deserted.” Be warned of ourselves, for the next target is our children- the greatest wealth and asset. Let us wake up from our deep slumber.