The current news is that either the Russian armies have invaded Ukraine or they are still on the brink of invading Ukraine. Another news channel says Queen Elizabeth has died and at the same time I read an article that says she is has only cancelled her current engagements because of her illness.
Jesus told us plainly these things will happen and, as Christian believers, we are not to worry or fret. Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV), “6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
I’ve already seen the blogs and predictions of “religious leaders” saying this is it!! The second coming is near. And I believe it to be true, the second coming is near, but, according to Jesus, this is not the sign. Wars and rumors of war will always be with us.
Psalm 2:1-3 (NIV) says, “Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’”
As long as our rulers and kings are not following God, there will always be those conspiring to take over others less equipped or not as strong.
Psalm 2:4-6 (NIV) gives God’s response, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, ‘I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.’”
The lesson Father is trying to teach us in this certainly uncertain time is that He is still on the throne. He is not surprised. He knows the heart of the people rising up and the heart of the people being oppressed. He hears their cry.
Jesus is saying that war and rumors of war will always be with us, so do not worry or fret. Do not be alarmed. Seems almost like the Christian is not supposed to care, but that is not what Jesus is saying, is it. If we are sons and daughters of Father, which we are as believers, we hold the Image of God within us. And if the main characteristic of Father is love, then we are to love.
With God securely in charge, Christians all around the world are coming together. I have actually seen more articles about people heading to prayer – some who haven’t been in prayer for a long time. There are denominational walls falling. Protestants, Jews, and Catholics are coming together with one purpose, to praise the God of creation and to pray for His hands to lead the nations. People from all over the world are coming back over this news and Psalm 2:12b (NIV) says, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
The challenge for today is, are you full of anxieties, or fear, or trembling, or hate? God does not want you to live like that, He wants you to worship Him and come to Him in this uncertain time. He wants to hear your voice of anxiety. He wants to hear you cry out to Him. He wants the opportunity to wipe away all your tears and let you know there is a better way.
Let’s pray together:
Father,
In Psalm 11(:4) you tell us that “ . . . You are in Your Holy Temple and You are on Your heavenly throne. You observe everyone on earth and Your eyes examine them.”
We cry out to You, Father. You are on Your Throne and in charge. We cry. We hurt. We are anxious. And, LORD, we love because You first loved us. Show us how to stand strong in Your Holy Spirit during this time of war and rumors of war. Show us, Father, how to wrap our arms around those near us that are seeking answers for this conflict. Those that are believing the world is out of control. Fill our hearts and our mouths with Your words of love, compassion, redemption, and salvation for those seeking You.
We pray, LORD, for those who are in harms way as armies invade and destroy homes, businesses, farms, and families. Give them the comfort and wisdom of Your eternal life and show them Your safety and love.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suddenly the mission field got wider, deeper, taller, and in some ways, too difficult to manage. It is now that your faith stands strong in the knowledge of Romans 8:31, 37-39 (NIV), “What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.”
Pastor Steve
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