Cuban Idolatry and Atheists in Foxholes

I was preaching last night at the WOW services at Dade on the "Game of Life" from James 4, and made a comment about the fact that ignorance is not an excuse for sin. I made the point that according to Romans 1 and 2, there are no 'atheists in foxholes,' because God gives everyone a fundamental awareness of Himself, primarily through His creation and our conscience.

Then reading this morning's paper, I received dissapointing confirmation of that biblical view of mankind's inherent and God-given spirituality,when I read the story of thousands of Cubans making the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Lazarus, paying tribute, fulfilling vows and seeking favors from the crippled icon known on the island as the miraculous saint. In a fascinating, truth affirming and even humanly tragic event, ".. pilgrims arrived at the chapel exhausted and bleeding after excruciating treks barefoot, on their knees or even dragging themselves along the ground. Many wore the traditional sackcloth of penitence. Observers said there were more young people than usual."

Obviously, the world-wide economic crisis in addition to a miserable hurricane season, has Communist Cuba and it's citizens in a state of greater desperation than usual, "You can see the pain in the eyes of people left without homes and without food," said Catholic nun Anabel Palacios, a member of the Daughters of Charity order. 'You see the pain of families separated by migration. Nearly every family has relatives who have left." What we see is that people are desperate for grace, forgiveness, mercy and answers to life's most difficult questions.

Unfortunately most people turn to the wrong place or person for that solace as the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:18-22 .. "18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

The botton line is that man was made to worship God, and if he or she chooses to ignore God's general revelation, then he will create his own god- himself or an idol. According to the news report, yesterday was "especially significant because it brings together Catholics and believers of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, who recognize St. Lazarus as Babalu-Aye." Pray that people like these will be brought the gospel and be illuminated by God in order that they as we, would "exhaust" and "drag ourselves" to the foot of Calvary's cross. They have a clue about repentence- just the wrong god they're repenting to.