The Normalcy Bias

Friday, August 5, 2011
Listen to this devotional:

Daniel 7:23 – The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth. (NIV)

Revelation 13:1b,7b-8 – And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. (NIV)

According to Wikipedia, the expression "normalcy bias" refers to a mental state in which people underestimate or ignore the obvious signs of a coming crisis simply because it has never happened before. This reasoning can be applied to the attitudes of many people in reference to what the Bible predicts will take place in the last days. The apostle Peter warns:

2 Peter 3:3-4 – First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." (NIV)

Hence, bearing in mind today's prophetic Scripture passages, I was shocked when a friend handed me a copy of a document known as "The Constitution For The Federation of The Earth". This manuscript has been in the making for many years being circulated, debated, and amended numerous times among various international delegates worldwide. Several organizations promote and campaign for the establishment of a one-world government — a concept that has been around since the tower of Babel.

The preamble to the earth constitution begins with the following introduction: "We, citizens of the world, hereby resolve to establish a world federation to be governed in accordance with this constitution for the federation of the earth." However, what I found most interesting was a section under article eight of "The World Boundaries and Election Administration" which states that one of seven agencies shall be controlled by a ten-member commission in addition to a leading administrator.

In today's verses from Revelation, the apostle John describes a ten-horned beast (or kingdom) coming up out of the sea. whose leader, the antichrist, is given authority to rule the world. Are we living in an age when these prophetic events are taking shape before our very eyes? Jesus' discourse in Matthew 24 forewarns that in the last days before His return, there will be an increase in wars, famines, earthquakes, etc., but these phenomena are described only as birth pangs or the beginning of sorrows.

Nevertheless, the apostle Paul tells believers:

Romans 13:11b – The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. (NIV)

Therefore, in a world of economic chaos, growing strife, and threats of war, let us pay close attention to what God's Word has told us in advance. Then, instead of normalcy bias, we will remain alert, hopeful, and ready for the glorious coming of our Saviour and King.

Prayer: Lord, according to Your Word, keep us mindful of and watching for the hour of Your return. Look with favour upon Your people during these troublesome times, and fill our hearts with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Preserve us by Your mighty power that we may never be overcome by adversity. Fulfill Your divine purpose in heaven and on earth as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Your blessed kingdom. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA

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