20/08/2019

Isaiah 60:2 -NLT

Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you.

I noted that my last posting was on 13/06/2019. Is not that I didn’t have views to put out, but I was religiously following the news of a series of ongoing riots in Hong Kong, since early June 2019. Although I have left Hong Kong in the 80s’, I was born there. I can identify some of the discontent and grievance behind the demonstrators, but I was deeply troubled to see the demonstration of tenacious anger and hate in the whole situation.

It saddens me the most to know that many Christians were participating in the protect. Don’t they know that we have been set apart ‘to be the salt and the light‘ for our LORD in this fallen, and imperfect world that we live? Or has it ever occurred to them that they should resolve to ask for God’s extra dosage of His grace and His unfailing love in the wake of this present darkness?

I am not in the position to elaborate on the law, Especially when Clarrie Lam, the Chief Executive declared the bill is  ‘Dead’ on 9 July. Unfortunately, after a few violent clashed between the demonstrators and the Hong Kong police force, hundred thousands of Hong Kong residents joined street marches against the bill, and immobilise the city from day one. The complete mayhem at the Hong Kong International airport disrupted a few hundred flights for a few days. The movement further demands broader pro-democracy ambitions. 

According to the coverage by www.theguardin.com/world, ‘ the protests have gone from weekly to almost daily.’ In addition to ‘demanding the territory’s chief executive, Carrie Lam to resign and calling for:

The complete withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill; to withdraw the use of the word ”riot” in relation to protests; the unconditional release of arrested protester and charges against them dropped; an independent inquiry into police behaviour; and Implementation of genuine universal suffrage. ‘

I,  like most of the people outside of Hong Kong, have no idea when and how this whole chaotic situation is going to end. Suddenly, Mr Frank E. Peretti’s bestseller “This Present Darkness” came to mind. The title in line with the book of Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)- ‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.’

Coincidently, since all the protestors are in black outfits wearing black facial masks, so I borrow Mr Peretti’s book title as mine for my blog. I am thankful that his book, which I read 20 some years ago enables me now to view this riots in perspective. However, I am still flesh and blood, I can off the news, but where can I find peace when my friends, relatives are still trapped in Hong Kong? Last Sunday, my dear Lord of God, Jesus sent His comfort from the pulpit during worship service:  

Luke 21:26 & 28

26..”Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth,… 28..When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads,… because your redemption is drawing near.”…Berean Study Bible · Download