Deuteronomy 8:17-18, I Samuel 31-II Samuel 1, Psalm 75:7 Luke 1:52, Psalm 14:1-4, Daniel 2:21-22
These references (long and short) describe or comment on the certainty of change even when rule and order seem certain and unmovable. No nation is infallible or permanent. Whatever systems and dominions humans have established can be overthrown by complex, unforeseen events. That was certainly true for David, and Daniel, and for the Western powers who had carved up Africa and many other parts of the world, but were devastated by World Wars I and II in the space of twenty years.
In these sections and supplements, be alert to the speed of events and the huge costs in human life due to war. In addition, during this week’s work and the next, note how the huge world resulted in the eventual loss of colonial empires and the reshuffling of world leadership. Even though people and governments may not see the pattern, there is an adage that states everything is connected to everything (https://quoteinvestigator.com/2022/03/31/connected/truth). Yet, in truth, God created all things for His purpose, and He controls all things.
As you consider this week’s devotion, please answer the following questions.
- Pick any one of the Western imperial powers and trace its success and failure between 1914 and 1945. How much of the change might be considered spiritual in nature?
- How did the victors of World War II reshape the post-war world by using economics, the United Nations, new or renewed allies, and foreign aid? Were these spiritually selfish or unselfish actions? Please explain.
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