Perhaps it is not well known, but by one count France has had 16 different constitutions since its initial writing in 1791. The Chilean government recently amended their governing document for the sixtieth time. By one calculation, the average lifespan of a Latin American constitution lasts 16 years, while western Europe averages a change every 77 years. The strength of the United States has been that, until recently, we considered our constitution a settled document.
After King David and King Solomon, the children of Israel experienced a constant flow of monarchical changes. These shifts led them in and out of idolatry and war. Ultimately, they devolved into a hapless, flagrant people offering God diseased and crippled lambs as a sacrifice. The end of their disobedience amounted to four centuries without a prophetic word or righteous leader.
Some things need to be settled. The psalmist wrote: Psa 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Jesus said: Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
The constant changes in theology, government, and all that concerns a moral worldview has led to our uncertain times. This constant state of flux is a design of the demonic spirit of the age to remove God’s infallible Word from our hearts. Recent Gallop survey shows a lack of commitment to any religious belief. Absolutes have fallen on hard times. Faith itself has been challenge by the increase of human tragedy and violence.
These are the days when we make our calling and election sure. We must learn to be content in whatever state we find ourselves and be founded in the church. If we lose our resolve and our hope, we will have lost everything. This is the season of pressing forward and praying with fervency. Jude encouraged us to earnestly contend for the faith.
Finally, Paul wrote that we will be (Col 1:22-23) presented holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight, if we continue in the faith grounded and settled.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole