The Roaring Twenties (In Our Time) :: By Edwin Tan

Any mention of the Roaring Twenties would readily evoke images of bathtub gin binges. It could be accompanied by other nefarious elements; gangsters doing their bidding with near impunity amidst sleaze emanating from cabarets. It sure was a case of moral decadence, probably scratching the surface if depravity was considered.

This raucous era could be looked at with a tinge of nostalgia. Much of the bygone aspects of that time would certainly be vaudeville, good enough for a B-grade serial meant for the wee hours on some cable network!

Ironically speaking, the year 2020 has undoubtedly spearheaded another epoch in human history that could be deemed as the ‘roaring twenties’ – only the form and constituents are of an entirely different nature. Everybody could point the finger at the current pandemic. But a good many of its antecedents go back a long, long way. The driver behind these triggers is located in the Fallen Nature of humans. This is well documented in Jeremiah 17:9.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”

So this time ’round, there is but a cacophony of roars. Sinister in nature, menacing, bloodthirsty, pitiless and speaking of brute force lacing cold hearts. Certainly not Resident Evil, is it stark naked wickedness that could be full-blown in the coming months? Plausible! The excesses that took place about a century ago would pale greatly when compared to that which could implode at very short notice, as the fuses have already been ignited.

Isaiah 5:20 sums up the scenario that would dominate this era. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

The Lord takes no delight in all this hypocrisy that typifies abominable practices, thereby pronouncing a curse upon all in this camp. All because it is an all-out rebellion against His Glory and Majesty. The order which He set forth as a blessing on all who dwell on the earth is being ridiculed. In place of this orderly procession comes chaos which gratifies the wicked desires of a few at the expense of the suffering of large numbers.

Those who are familiar with the lyrics of “Lola” by the Kinks would come across a verse that goes like this: “Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls; it’s a mixed-up, muddled-up, shook-up world….”

That song first hit the airwaves half a century ago when a lot which torments many eyes today was then unimaginable. It is undeniably a mixed-up and topsy-turvy realm we live in. Look at the fuss being kicked about when there is ranting plus raving about gender neutrality as far as legalese goes. Then how about the brave new toilet regime where perceived gender rules. All this is already additional strife added onto the stress caused by the ceaseless pandemic and its incessant fallout.

The roars seemingly get louder and meaner with each passing day. As if it were signaling that sharpened knives are out and ready to do the dirty work. As though the clanging that emanates from the gates of hell are more than audible.

But let us have a good look at what our Lord Jesus Christ said to Peter in Matthew 16:18. “And I will also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

We must take this assurance from our Saviour that we who are part of the Body of believers will not be around once the blades are swung about.

On this note, our moment of redemption is really, really close!

It will not be long before those roars that terrify us will cease permanently. The 1920s ended with the rout on Wall Street, followed by the Depression. What will the 2020s end up with? Vital clues are available to the one who studies Bible Prophecy with great joy that anticipates blessing upon blessing!

The Righteous Judge is at the door!

Take heed.

Edwin

edwinuk13@gmail.com