In a regular column called “By The Numbers,” the most recent issue of World Magazine shared some startling figures associated with New York City’s burgeoning rat problem. The piece was written by John Dawson and titled “Rat Wars.” The sub title reads: “New York City’s surging rat census has the city officials looking for a real Pied Piper.” Here are the numbers he shares: “60” - The number of young a female rat can give birth to within a year under hospitable conditions…” Unsurprisingly, this number helps to explain another one: “2 million - The number of rats estimated to live in New York City…” Wow! Apparently the city hasn’t had much success in addressing the problem because he also lists this number: “$32 million - The cost of rat eradication efforts let by former Mayor Bill deBlasio in 2017. The campaign appears to have had little impact.” But all hope isn’t lost! One final number is shared. “$120,000 - The minimum starting salary for New York City’s next director of rodent mitigation, nicknamed the “rat czar” by a city spokesperson” (World Magazine, January 14, 2023). Anyone for a new career???
It sounds like some drastic action needs to be taken in NYC. Some problems are like that, though. Half-hearted attention and efforts won’t always get the job done. This is the lesson Jesus was trying to teach as he spoke of the sin of adultery and the lust that leads to it. “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30).
Is Jesus advocating actual physical self-mutilation? Of course not. But He is making a graphic metaphorical point about taking our sin problems seriously.
God loves you!
Mike
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