Greetings,
Another very disturbing week on the world scene. With our attention divided between two major events which took place within a short space of time, we are left with a strong feeling that this world is continuing to destabilize. Lasting peace is something we can only hope for in the context of Christ, the Prince of Peace, ushering in the government of God. Peace, judgment and justice will be ordered by Christ when He sits on the throne of David over His kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7).
The recent events in themselves have the potential to lead to serious consequences. Following the shooting down of a Malaysian airplane, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said world leaders needed to realize there was “a war in the heart of Europe” taking place. There are a number of wars in the “heart of the Middle East” taking place at the same time. We live with the possibility of existing wars becoming flash points for greater conflict. What should be our response to such a situation? Turn to God’s word and believe the words of Christ.
Christ stated clearly that wars and all that go with them are the “beginning of sorrows.” He said more dramatic events would follow culminating in, “great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” These observations were a lead up to the point He was making to the disciples and recorded for us to note.
“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near – at the doors! … Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming … Therefore you also be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:8, 33, 42, 43). Christ gave an outline of world events to His Church for the specific purpose of the Body of Christ focusing on its spiritual responsibilities. The word “watch” in verse 42 is the same word used by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 where he exhorts the Church to be awake and alert, “putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” verses 6-8.
The events of this week should motivate us to seek reconciliation with the Father more deeply and strengthen our resolve to be what God wants us to be so that He can use us in any way He wants to complete His work prior to the return of Christ.
