The Unfolding

In the Book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 1, verse 9, we read, “The thing that has been ___ it is what will be again, and that which has been done is that which will be done again; and there is nothing new under the sun.” Wow. NOTHING new under the sun!

      I was reading recently about the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in ancient Italy when Mt. Vesuvius (a volcano) erupted. These two cities were resort towns populated by wealthy and prosperous people. It’s usual population was about 20,000. These people were used to the rumblings of Mt. Vesuvius. But on Aug. 24th, A.D. 79, the volcano erupted, destroying these towns and great stretches of the countryside at Pompeii, 8-10 ft of pumice and 6-7 ft of ash covered everything, but the tops of buildings. These cities never rebuilt.

     Centuries passed but Archeologists, over a period of time, have uncovered artifacts that tell us something about the people who lived and frequented these cities, especially Pompeii.

     They were apparently healthy people, but obsessed with sex. Statues that have been uncovered are explicit in perverse acts. (I do not think I can print what they were.) Two thousand people perished in Pompeii. They were encased in volcanic ash, which preserved even the expressions on their face.

     Why do I relate to what I have read or heard? Because it sounds like today. Since the sexual revolution of the 60’s, we are seeing the result of apparently promiscuous behavior. With all the revelations of sexual harassment that have been revealed and the perversions of modern day society, it seems that Ecclesiastes is right when it says “there is nothing new under the sun”.

But it seems some do not realize or care that there are consequences to their actions; good or bad. In I Corinthians 4:5 (The Amplified Bible) we read “so do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes again, for He will both bring to the light the secret things that are now hidden in darkness and disclose and expose the secret aims, motives, purpose of hearts. Then every man will receive his due condemnation from God.” And in Ecclesiates 12:14, it says “for God will bring every work into judgement with every secret thing whether it is good or evil.”

     Sobering words aren’t they? Smooth, uplifting words? Maybe not. Thought provoking? They should be. And was the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius a judgement on the city? You decide. And what about America? We’ve strayed far from our Biblical foundation. Have we become like those who in the Book of Judges when it is said “every man did what was right in his own eyes.”

Betty Crabtree, a native of Lee County, a mom of 2, grandmother of 4, and a great-grandmother of 9. She is a published author with her book, holding the same title as her column, “The Unfolding”.  Shehas been a columnist for the Beattyville Enterprise since 2010. She gives all the glory of her blessed life to Christ, her Lord and Savior.