Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A Famine in the Land

A recent Pew Forum study reveals that the average churchgoer is ignorant of people like Job, Abraham and Moses; he thinks Sodom and Gomorrah were a husband and wife; and that the statement “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. Living in the “Information Age” doesn’t seem to have averted a dearth of Bible knowledge.

During a time of prosperity in Israel (just like today), the Prophet Amos predicted there would be a famine, not for bread or water, but for hearing the word of God: “Beautiful girls and strong young men will grow faint in that day, thirsting for the Lord's word” (11-13). Why the emphasis on young people? Could it be they were the ones searching for meaning in life—something worth living for, or even to die for? Even though his prophecy is specific to Israel, it’s not hard to see a modern parallel.

Today’s millennial generation has more access to Bible knowledge, 'spiritual nourishment,' than any generation in history. But they also have more distractions to quench their appetite. God says, “My people go into captivity for their lack of knowledge—famished and parched with thirst… [but] blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; they shall be satisfied” (Is. 55:2; Matt. 5:6).

2 comments:

  1. Good morning Dr. Greg,
    Good post in catching the changing times.
    One of the things that I remember in attending a bible college, was that there was a bible knowledge exam given to new students. What was disconcerting was that they had to re-shape the curve due to the distressing lack of knowledge of the students of the 1980's when compared to the students of the 1940's. The falloff in bible knowledge was significant. The norm had changed from 75% to 25% in forty years. To follow on your comment in an earlier post, withtout knowldge, there is no discernment. And without discernment, there is no wisdom. No surprise that we are living in a time where there is little wisdom.
    Godspeed!
    Larry Q

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  2. Unfortunatley, yes. Without a plumb line, every one does what seems right in his own eyes.

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