Trouble in the World

“Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars… there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” — Matthew 24:6-8

Jesus spoke these words to the disciples in answer to their question about “the end of the world” (Mt. 24:3). There wasn’t much good news in His message. We don’t hear much good news today either. The world is troubled today over the disaster in Japan. Panic seems to be the word people are using in reference to the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear plant. The radiation levels are rising in Japan. Americans are scurrying to purchase potassium iodine pills and Geiger counters.

In addition to the crisis in Japan we have massive revolts of the Muslims in Libya, precariousness in the Middle East, soaring gas prices, uncertainty on Wall Street, war and rumors of wars on practically every continent, and moral decay at every level.

How do we deal with all of this? I think the major cause of fear about what is happening around the world is much of it is out of our control—There is really nothing you can do about it.

Are things hopeless? By no means! We need not hang our harps on the willows and worry about tomorrow. Jesus Christ has already secured our victory when He arose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:57). We can look forward — and upward — to the One who is alive, who triumphed over sin and death and Satan, and who lives and reigns forevermore.

Listen to His words—“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Hey Christian, Lift up your head. Rejoice! Your redemption draweth nigh!