WORLD BETTERMENT OR WORLD BREAKDOWN
Daniel 2:3l-45
The United Nations cannot solve the world problems of today. While it appears at times the U.N. is succeeding in its efforts to have world peace it is only temporary. I am grateful to God that so far the U.N. has stopped communist takeover. But I am also reminded the U.N. Will not grow stronger but someday will collapse. In Matthew 24, the end of the age is to be marked by an increase of wars and rumors of wars. Also it is made plain in our text we read this morning.
Many years ago, God revealed to Daniel the world situation and its collapse. You will notice the head of the image was gold and kept decreasing in value and strength concluding with the feet and toes. Here we are able to see whether we are to expect world betterment or world breakdown.
Those who accept the philosophy of evolution say there is much evidence to show the world improvement. Now the Christian doesn’t deny that in certain cases the world has made vast improvements. Great progress has been made in the field of medicine. Half a century ago anyone who contacted that dreadful disease of leprosy had only one thing to look for and that was death. Now we seldom hear of any cases. More progress has been made to aid the victim of cancer and arthritis. I can’t imagine the progress that has been made in medicine.
How about our method of travel? We only have to purchase a ticket and can be jetted to any place in the world in a matter of a few hours.
I can step back in the office and by dialing a few numbers speak to people around the globe. This is truly progress. I must go along with those who call this progress.
Allow me to add one more progress. I am reminded of the words of Jesus, “and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. Since World War II our missionary’s have penetrated islands and jungles to take the gospel where they never thought it would be possible. It is obvious in these ways the world is growing better.
My friend, the issue doesn’t stop there. The image Daniel saw did not intend to teach that everything will grow worse. Still there are important areas which has shown itself collapsing. There are some things we can look at today and say the world is growing worse.
Let me start by saying there has been a deterioration in man’s worship. In chapter 3 of this same book we see Nebuchadnezzar made an image and issued an order that men everywhere must fall down and worship it. Turning from the God of Israel he exalted himself. Paul wrote Timothy and said in the last days there will be a great falling away from the church and worship. People are on the way up in the world and say we don’t need God. But when these same ones are on the way down they will need God. People say we have good jobs and fine cars, what do we need with the church. Yet that same person when the death angels call wants a preacher to read from the Word of God over that body. Family members looking for just one shred of evidence the dead loved one was right with God.
Not only has there been a deterioration in man’s worship but in his word. The truth becomes more scarce as we approach the end of the age. Man’s word used to be his bond. Today some will tell you a lie just to get rid of you. Again I am reminded of what Paul wrote Timothy. chapter 3 of first Timothy, verse 2 Paul writes, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers etc. Then he goes on to say in 2nd Timothy 3:7-8, “and they shall turn away their ears from the truth.” We live in a day when its hard to depend on a man’s word. If you have trouble believing that, then go and find out how many promises you can get for next Sunday attendance, then see how many make it.
Not only is there a deterioration in worship, and word but man’s moral worth. People’s morals aren’t as high as they once was. There are more divorces than marriages. There is an increase in the consumption of liquor and drugs. There is an increase in crime even beginning at an earlier age. Indeed the world is growing worse.
Modernist and evolutionist are spreading a lie about the world getting better. The feet of the image part iron and part clay or mud, the elements of decay. The age is coming to a close. Its time we recognize this all around us. But for the one who knows almighty God there is hope. God has a kingdom that will never be overthrown. Only this kingdom will be successful in the end. Are you a part of God’s kingdom? If you know Him as a Savior, you are.
