Americans now know, with gas at more than $4 a gallon, what
Europeans have known for years. Energy is precious. We are learning
deliberation. “If I drive to Meijers, across town, I need to stop at the
library, Ace hardware, and Sam’s on the way.” I ran out of ink yesterday.
Knowing I’d be near Wal-Mart today, I didn’t run out for ink. Ridership is up
on mass transit and bike sales must be picking up. That’s just the first layer
of effects.
The second economic effect is how the increase in gas prices
increases consumer prices. We’re beginning to feel those pangs, too. The local
whole wheat flour I buy for bread-making has increased $.12 a pound. Our trash
bill went up recently. We’ve yet to see the full effect of increased
transportation costs. Some effects are predictable—increased food pantry
demand—while others remain to be seen.
World economic pressures add additional uncertainty to the
mix.
with their rapid development, increase demand for clothing, cars, and building
materials. And why should
remain on the top of the heap? What gives us the right to use so much of the
world’s resources? But what a painful slide it will be. Some American
middle-class folks will slide right into poverty. And what will the poor do?
When
I turn my eyes from the gas pumps to the scriptures, I see Jesus. After foreseeing
people “fainting from terror” because of the events of the end, he says: “When
these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your
redemption is drawing
near.” Luke
the time of the end? I don’t know. But as prices squeeze us, let’s look up to Jesus’
promises, more precious than any fuel. When the end comes, only he, and those
who hold his hand, will stand.
Jesus,
may we feel the pressure of your hand today.