One definition for the blues is that it is a melancholy or depressed feeling, which in real life, often occurs after a high point in one’s experience. For instance, the Monday morning blues may occur after one has enjoyed a great weekend, then comes the old hum drum of working again. Similarly, the sugar high of trillions of bailout dollars now being handed out to individuals and businesses will be followed by a day of reckoning, for after the Covid 19 dust has settled, the magnitude of what is now being done will be realized in very staggering, and disturbing figures.
Therefore, this Bible study is designed to help us to prepare for and avoid the bailout blues. Wherever there is more outflow than inflow for an extended period, a problem of supply and demand would be created, and at some point, the disparity will have to be addressed in order to avoid a total economic collapse. There is no such thing as a free lunch and therefore, after the Covid dust has settled a rude awakening is going to grip those nations which were forced into spending what they did not really have. To put it bluntly, monies that are now being spent will have to be repaid one way or the next.
To conquer the ancient city of Babylon Darius, the Mede, diverted the river Euphrates from its natural course and not long after the riverbed became dry, thus allowing the Medes and Persians to gain access to the coveted city, which was then brought into a total subjection to the invaders. Similarly, if monies are diverted from their natural courses of supply, the financial waters will run dry sooner or later, and like the ancient city of Babylon, those persons and nations will have exposed their vulnerabilities to adversaries of all sorts.
Most business models run on the assumption that things will continue as they were or get even better, and even though a few blips in the markets may be baked into their financial outlooks, most companies assume that a regular flow of customers would be there forever. While it is always good to take an optimistic view of things the fact is that no one knows what the future holds, and therefore, we are cautioned in the Bible to make allowances for times when the unforeseen occurs without warning, wherever allowances can be made possible.
There are cases where, try as one might, they may not be able to make ends meet every month, but in other circumstances where there is some surplus an individual is cautioned to save from principle, rather than from fear. That way there will always be some sort of cushion to sustain persons, if, and when the going gets rough. Such counsels are to be found both in the old and new testaments, and wherever and whenever they are adopted on an ongoing basis from principle, the likelihood of financial ruin will go down significantly. God requires that His servants exercise prudence and discretion in all matters, big or small, in good times and bad times.
The five foolish virgins did not provide any extra oil in their lamps; they did not anticipate any delay or emergency; thus, when the bridegroom had tarried for an unspecified period of time they were caught off guard. The wise in contrast, had made provision for if things did not go as expected, so any delay did not faze them. Many of the Egyptians in Joseph’s day did not take the dreams of future famines seriously, and like so many do today, they believed that all things would continue as there were. Thus, when it came crunch time and the brutal realities set in, they were forced to sell their homes, their livestock, and finally their own bodies to pharaoh. Let’s read:
Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money fails. 16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. 17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.
At this point in our study, it is befitting that we read a few passages of scripture, for whatsoever will take place on this earth has already taken place, in most instances, and therefore the rhythm of life consists of cycles and experiences, which are often found to repeat themselves. Coupled together with this fact are the scriptures which refer to the looming beast system, where a cryptic word is used to describe its implementation.
Now, while it is true that The Lord will protect and provide for His people in times of emergencies, yet He requires that we do all we possibly can to avert the dangers that lie ahead. God is much more practical, and down to earth in His instructions than many Christians realize, and thus, He often sends us warnings before the rest of the general public are alerted to coming dangers or calamity. So, let us read, and study with a humble and teachable spirit, the things which belong to our peace. Let’s read:
Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.
12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
There is much knowledge and understanding to be found in studying the ways of God; what He does, when He does it, why He does it and how He does it. One of His “Ways” is that supernatural power is never to be summoned to do that which we can do for ourselves. To put it plainly, God does not work unnecessary miracles, for His miracle working power is to be a last resort when the human agent has maxed out. This is a fundamental teaching of the scriptures and ought to be incorporated into our understanding of God. We’ll explain as we go. Let’s read:
Joshua 5:12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna anymore; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. John 11:39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
In preparation for those days ahead, that we have been warned of, it would be necessary to do all we possibly can, by the grace and guidance of God, to mitigate circumstances, until such time that God’s supernatural power would take over entirely. Therefore, to avoid the bailout blues, we should work in harmony with those principles, laws and instructions God has given in His word, wherever and whenever possible. In other words, the snares that are now being laid for the feet of the unwary should not be found entangling the faithful.
In addition, the Bible teaches us to live contentedly, and therefore, if we are humble and willing enough, God will show us those unnecessary expenditures that can and should be diverted to preparing for the rainy day. The following are just a few passages that encourage us to live prudently. Let’s read:
Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.
1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things.
Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provides her meat in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.
Deuteronomy 15:5 Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. 6 For the Lord thy God blesses thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
It has been documented that Americans are saving now, more than ever, as Covid puts a stranglehold on persons and economies. But in reality, the Bible teaches us the necessity of saving from principle, so that when those rainy days come, as they certainly would, the saints would not be caught flatfooted. The teaching of scripture can go a very long way in avoiding the bailout blues, if certain principles are adopted on a continuum. It is true that most people will begin to apply brakes, if they can see economic trouble brewing on the horizon.
But the Bible highly recommends and prefers the “prevention is better than cure” approach, where godly principles are incorporated into our everyday experience, in the good times as well, as the bad. The Biblical principles pertaining to our outflow and inflow are to be practiced in the good times, so that if, and when calamity strikes, there would be some level of cushioning to absorb unforeseen shock, at least to some extent. This applies to individuals and nations alike.
But, in many nations of the earth, these instructions have not been followed, and as a direct result many have become entangled in one of satan’s favorite snares, debt. As it stands currently, most nations of the earth are trapped in a cycle of debt. When governments indulge the habit of borrowing for any and every reason, those citizens under their jurisdiction often suffer the trickle-down effects and slowly but surely, the syndrome known as irrational exuberance, as it pertains to unwarranted spending sets in, and we often become detached from reality, until some grave emergency arises.
So, for some historical context, the internal revenue service was instituted as a means to pay for the war which had inflicted financial damage on the nation. It is worthy of note that the institution was not a one-time deal, but rather became permanently fixed in the financial system up to this day. Similarly, after the Covid dust has settled, nations the world over will be facing a grim reality, and as is always the case, the financial burden will be placed on the backs of everyday workers and businesses.
Deep and permanent changes to life as we know it will be instituted, and therefore, in lieu of what will certainly occur, God advises us to position ourselves as best we can, to avoid as much as is possible, the financial carnage that will certainly come to pass. Trusting in God includes taking all those necessary proactive steps to facilitate His work. The trumpet is now giving a certain sound, so that all who so desire may prepare. The following therefore are scriptural instructions on how to avoid the bailout blues.
[1] Do not borrow if you don’t have to. Let’s read:
Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Many businesses which did not need a bailout, were found borrowing for no valid reason, just because of sheer greed, and some were publicly shamed into returning millions that were really needed by others who were hurting. Borrowing should be something of a last resort, not a way of doing business, if it can be avoided.
[A.H pp 392>393] When one becomes involved in debt, he is in one of Satan's nets, which he sets for souls. Abstracting and using money for any purpose, before it is earned, is a snare.
This is exactly what is taking place now, because nations and individuals are spending that which has not yet been earned, and, lest the faithful become caught up in the snare, God is now putting us on notice, so that we exercise prudence and wisdom moving forward.
[2] Taxes and financial burdens will be increased one way or the next, so be prepared wherever possible.
Nehemiah 5:1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. 2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore, we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. 3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. 5 And, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants and some are brought into bondage already; neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
Here’s a bit of history for anyone who would listen. [P.K pp 55>56] So gradual was Solomon's apostasy that before he was aware of it, he had wandered far from God. An ambition to excel all other nations in power and grandeur led him to pervert for selfish purposes the heavenly gifts hitherto employed for the glory of God. Engrossed in an overmastering desire to surpass other nations in outward display, the king overlooked the need of acquiring beauty and perfection of character. In seeking to glorify himself before the world, he sold his honor and integrity.
The enormous revenues acquired through commerce with many lands were supplemented by heavy taxes. From the wisest and most merciful of rulers, he degenerated into a tyrant. Tax after tax was levied upon the people. The people began to complain. The respect and admiration they had once cherished for their king was changed into disaffection and abhorrence.
[3] Live humbly and contentedly. Way too much pride was being indulged on several fronts, and Covid has essentially brought many of the popular gods to their knees. Whatever we may accomplish in this life, whether in the temporal or the spiritual realm, the glory, or the credit for such achievements belong to God. The human agent is just an instrument in His hands, and thus, we should ever keep before our faces that in Him we live and move and have our being. Thus, the mantra for us now, and in the future is for us to live soberly, to do righteously, and to walk humbly with God. Let’s read:
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He that handles a matter wisely shall find good and whoso trusts in the Lord, happy is he.
Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Hebrews 13: 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
[4] Pray, before making any financial or other important decision.
Now more than ever, we must seek God in earnest prayer before going out on a limb and making any decisions without counsel. A thousand different snares of which some are not familiar will be laid for the feet of the unwary therefore, we must reiterate again, take everything to God in prayer. God is able to see way ahead, what is coming down the pipe, and He will be able to guide the humble in such a manner as to avoid unknown pitfalls, before they arrive.
We are now on the last leg of the long- running marathon of salvation, and just as Christ has said over and over again, His coming will be sudden and unexpected. Therefore, it is of the most critical importance for us to lay every important decision before Jesus, so that He may guide us into wise paths. We will end with a favorite passage of scripture that will help us to do just that. Let’s read:
Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord.
God Bless!