Interestingly enough, I think Jesus taught about this issue we’re facing—not specifically, but giving us context for how to view what’s happening. In a conversation with Nicodemus he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God…the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:3, 5-7 NLT) And the Apostle Paul said “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…” (Romans 12:2 NLT)
Richard Rohr says Jesus taught, and the NT writers followed his lead of teaching a patten of growth passing beyond some perfect Order, through an often painful and seemingly unnecessary Disorder, to an enlightened Reorder, rebirth or resurrection. This is the universal pattern that connects, restores and solidifies our relationships with everything around us.
We won’t know quickly what the new order will be but we can be assured there will be one and God will not be absent from it. He’s already arrived there and we need to wait patiently for him to draw is there with him.
