“Then He Said to Them"

“Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:10-11 ESV)

It is easy to be fearful of what we see occurring in the world today. Many people were lost in Texas due to the severe flooding. In Kenya, young protesters are abducted and killed by their own government; their only crime… seeking lower taxes. Higher food costs are causing many to go hungry. Wildfires, earthquakes, and now we are in the hurricane season. Economic struggles across the globe, wars, and potential peace in the Middle East, continued war in Eastern Europe, all cause fear and anxiety.

Take a deep breath and read what Jesus told the disciples. These things are expected. These things are necessary. All of these things will happen. Why, because our Savior prophesied them. Takes a step back to verse 9, and there Jesus tells us, “And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” The end will not come at once. No, there is a lead-up to the second coming of the Lord. Even then, we, as Christians, should not be fearful or question why these things are happening. We know why they are happening. They are the birthing pains. (Matthew 24:8).

Yes, we mourn for the loss of families in all situations, but we do not question God. When people ask why God allowed these things to happen, the answer will not be enough for them. Because it is written, they would because it is God’s plan. What kind of God is this? He is a patient God, a loving God, a righteous and holy God who is also just and wrathful towards sinners and those who rebel against His righteous commands.

If you grew up like me and were a “spirited” child, you might be reprimanded by your mother for your behavior. She might punish you, but you knew when you heard, “Wait till your father gets home,” that you were in trouble. Maybe our response to what kind of God this should be the same. “You think this is bad, wait until the Father gets home.” Wait until the Son returns. Yes, there will be hell to pay, and it will be paid for by those who refuse the Lord.

So, while God is still being patient, while his forbearance is still present, let us invite as many as we can to His table, the marriage supper of the Lamb. The New Covenant will not change, and by the blood of Christ, many will still be saved, even in the last days. But, at some point, the hand of salvation will be withdrawn. Then hell will be paid, on the backs of many who refuse the Lord. Let us share the hope of salvation, for it is available to all who believe.

Take a bent knee before Him. Be humble and come to Christ, seek His forgiveness while you can. It is a gift, a free gift of God. It requires no human effort, no money, and nothing from you as a person. Just accept the grace of the Lord, and believe He is the Son of the Living God. The Savior who accepted death only to rise again on the third day, opening the door to heaven for all who believe in His finished work on the cross. Seek Christ today, for only God knows about tomorrow. Act now, for the time is short.

Fellow believer, rejoice, we have been in the last days since Christ’s first coming. His time is now.

Peace and Grace.