Volkswagen and the end of the world

Volkswagen. A company with a proud engineering tradition whose brand spelled q-u-a-l-i-t-y.

A car manufacturer that over the years had poured millions into convincing the world that if you bought one if it's products you would be buying top grade high-class stuff of the highest calibre.

And then the shift stick hit the fanbelt.

The company was found to have been systematically fooling the rigorous emissions tests for its diesel-engined cars, by installing software that gave much lower figures for emissions, when in normal use, the levels were up to 20 times higher than the legal limit.

Shares crashed. Headlines screamed. Heads rolled. Spin doctors back-pedalled furiously. And the revelations continue to emerge. Most people think it will not be long before other household name companies are enmeshed in the Diesel scandal.

Surprised?

The world of commerce works hard to convince us that their mark, their brand, their logo is special. And that by wearing their clothing, or drinking their drink, or flying their airline or using their phone, you are somehow special or clever or more valuable for the association.

When it works, sales soar, profits peak, companies thrive. But Volkswagen shows that it is a pedestal that is easy to fall off -- and that promises of value and quality often prove to be false.

The book of Revelation tells us that the world is not as it appears. That behind the seeming chaos of history God has a sovereign plan that he is working out. But it also reveals the opposite truth - that the seeming solidity, permanence and value of what we see in countries and institutions and products are nothing of the kind. Chapter 18 paints a picture of the final devastation of Babylon with all its wealth and commerce:

The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more...They will say, “The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendour have vanished, never to be recovered.” The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn and cry out:‘“Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!” - Revelation 18 v 11-14-16

Proud nations fall. Systems that millions have relied on for centuries collapse. "Solid" companies implode. They are a reminder that the clever advertising and slick messages will eventually be revealed as being part of an ultimate lie. We are dust, and we shall return to dust. And our only hope is in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

We are dust, and we shall return to dust. And our only hope is in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

There is only one logo that imparts permanence to the wearer - and it is not VW, BMW or GM. It is the mark of the Lord's anointing on us. The deposit of the Spirit that guarantees that, in the fulness of time, we will reign with Christ in glory forever. (Ephesians 1 v 13-14)

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