I find myself thinking like the prophet Jonah in relation to the political and economic crisis Filipinos are facing today. Sometimes, I honestly just want God to torch the wicked people, but as God explained in the story, there would be serious collateral damage.
Whatever catastrophe could hit the country as judgment will hit or hurt all of us, just like the global fall-out of the US/Israel-Iran war. On the other hand, God may not need to intervene, he can sit back and watch all of us do nothing until the perfect storm finally hits.
While most people who have heard or read the book of Jonah, what they remember the most is Jonah being swallowed whole by a “great fish” and living in the belly of the fish for three days then being spit out alive soon after.
That is the part of the story that has become unforgettable for all.
But if you are seriously concerned about current political events in the Philippines, it may serve you well to seriously study the book of Jonah and similar events in the Bible.
Begin with “The Word of the Lord came to Jonah.” This was no garden variety “How are you doing my son?” It was a very specific instruction to go to a specific destination, “Nineveh that great city” and cry out against it.
In the Philippines it would be “Metro Manila” in terms of size and population. And here is where the trouble begins, God tells Jonah: “Cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.”
That is not the only time when God is quoted as saying “The wickedness has reached me.” God and two enforcers said the same thing to Abraham before he torched Sodom and Gomorrah.
In Genesis 18: 20-21: “ And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to me; and if not I will know.”
In other words, God “fact checked” all the negative reports. In Chapter 9, two angels that were deployed in Sodom at that time were targeted by all the men of Sodom with the full intent of raping them in the public square. Thus, the term “sodomize.”
The angels rescued Lot, the nephew of Abraham and thereafter “firebombed” Sodom. Later on, God also heard the daily cries of the Israelites under the Egyptian masters who enslaved them.
The seven plagues were not enough to break Egyptian conceit and reliance of their slaves, so God dispossessed the Egyptians of their gold, wiped out the entire Egyptian cavalry including the Pharoah himself and set his people free.
For the longest time, Filipinos have desperately cried to God, some even saying “Kunin mo na sila Lord” referring to corrupt politicians and government officials. Almost every month some scam or scandal is discovered and yet no one is ashamed, afraid or convicted.
Why do Filipinos put up with such wickedness? Is it because all Filipinos, me included, also engage in the wickedness while judging and condemning leaders and government? Yes, people suffer from the wickedness of their ruler, but it is said “we get the leaders we deserve?”
From a spiritual and political view, many Filipinos now have diminished faith, no real prayer life just SOS appeals, while suffering from each of the “seven deadly sins:”
Pride (“Hindi mo ba ako kilala?” Inglisero to assert dominance) Greed ( may house and lot na but still buying lotto). Lust (addiction to online pornography in the Philippines is reportedly one of the highest, then there are those “friends with benefits”). Envy ( trying to look or live like some celebrity influencer). Gluttony ( obesity pales in comparison to “male-maleta ng pera” illegal transactions. Wrath ( from criminals to congressmen and media, everyone attacking everybody). Sloth (Tamad! “pwede na” culture” OK lang ako,” reliance on other people’s help or ayuda).
Sadly, we have become the “MEMA” society. People engaging in political debates and analysis “para lang Me-Ma sabi.” We jump in the black pool of politics, taking sides, fuming out our sentiments online instead of focusing on the issues, problems or concerns rather than personalities. We need to stop!
We need to stop fuming negativity, hopelessness, criticism and wrath. We need to shift or change direction. If you, God forbid, got sick, got injured or can’t find a job or are worried scared for the well-being of your children or family, don’t you turn to God?
Well, the message in our situation is “return to me” says the Lord.
Our constant political discourse or opinions won’t bring food to the table. Rallies, debates, posts, vlogs and attacks won’t cause healing or restoration of your sick body. The reality is more and more people will go hungry, be jobless and desperate.
We need to learn from the lessons of Abraham and Jonah. We also need to keep this in mind: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7
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