Increasing Entropy

Everything ends up in a landfill. There is science (and theology) to prove it. Entropy is the natural law in science that leads to deterioration. It is a measurement of disorder or randomness of a system. Nature has the tendency for everything to increase in entropy. You, me, even that new iPhone you bought :) Buh-bye.

Working in the TV biz I'm always amazed at how much work and money goes into the news set. It's all about aesthetics, of course, or people won't watch, duh. But even these fancy, dazzling sets eventually end up in the dumpster. In fact, roaming the halls of the stations I've worked I often come across remnants of old sets from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. At the time they were all state of the art and cutting edge. Now they make for some good laughs...and good paper weights.

I can't help but think of Ecclesiastes. You know, "everything turn, turn, turn." Soloman is the author of Ecclesiastes and is very wise. When he speaks people listen. He speaks from experience telling us that every luxury under the sun is meaningless. He even considers knowledge meaningless. Ultimately he reaches the conclusion in chapter 12 that life is a huge waste of time without God. So true. All the trinkets I buy are soon going to occupy a landfill. The money I save will one day be worthless. My relationships and my body will gradually fade away. The only thing that I have today that will last into eternity is my salvation through Jesus Christ. This assurance is the only thing that brings peace in a chaotic world of increasing entropy.

As Christians we need to embrace the law of entropy. The Bible tells us the world is passing away. (This doesn't mean we shouldn't take care of it. Quite the contrary! It means we recognize our time on earth is limited and we appreciate this precious gift - even considering the problem of above landfill). Thankfully entropy is a physical law not a spiritual law. Spending eternity with God (in all His glory) is not subject to the law of entropy. Hallelujah! In heaven there is no deterioration, only regeneration!

GrantJ

Pontius Pilate

A paraphrase account of Jesus' inquisition before Pontius Pilate:

Chief priests and officers: "Pilate, this guy's crazy. We must put him to death!"

Pilate: "Why? What has he done?"

Chief priests and officers: "He's going around claiming to be the Son of God! Pure blasphemy!"

Pilate: "Well, after questioning him I find no guilt in him. How bout we just rough him up a bit?"

Chief priests and officers: "Yeah! Let's scourge him, beat him, and spit in his face!"

Pilate: "There, are you satisfied?"

Chief priests and officers: "Crucify! Crucify him!"

Pilate: "Whoa...Crucify him? No way. Not me. You crucify him. I'm outta here! Oh, and for the record I'm washing my hands of this incident."

Now did Pilate really wash his hands clean of the matter? Of course not. As for what happens next, Pilate could have stopped it.

For some reason I can identify with Pilate. I recognize the dilemma he's in. He's severely bothered by his conscience (as he should be!). His questioning to Jesus, "What is truth?" bares his inner wrestling. His wife even warns him not to have anything to do with Jesus. Yet, he is human. An uprising is on his hands, not to mention his tanking approval rating as governor. Ultimately, he gives in to the pressure.

Pilate means to do good, but fails miserably. He is a coward. By not intervening he is just as guilty as the Roman soldiers hitting the nails. He attempts to clear his conscience by washing his hands clean of the incident. Instead, he is ironically sealing his own fate in the matter. He has an opportunity to do right in God's eyes, but instead gives in to the crowd.

Yes indeed. I see myself in Pilate. I empathize with him. There are times when I want to be bold for the gospel, but shrink back in fear of what others may think or say. Other times I am guilty of doing nothing, like Pilate, and going along with the crowd. Aye-yai-yai.

Lord, give us the strength to stand for the truth. Remind us of Pilate and the cost of doing nothing.

GrantJ