Rumors Of Wars & Good Tidings
November 11, commemorated 96 years since the First World War came to an end. During the four years of this dreadful conflict 50 million lives were squandered for no good reason. "The Great War,” as it was called, was declared to be "The war to end all wars." And so it was for 21 short years. Then in 1939 the world was once again plunged into an even greater conflict, ultimately claiming the lives of 50 to 85 million people.
Immediately following the Second World War the Cold War set in, separating the free western powers from the eastern Soviet Bloc and its allies. For more than 40 years both sides faced-off, with nuclear weapons of mass destruction ready to rain down on each other, at a moments notice.
How wonderful it seemed when the mighty USSR finally dissolved and the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989! It seemed the world was ready to face a more friendly and peaceful future. However, such was not to be, and still isn't. Our little planet is plagued by conflict and international tensions. Just a few days ago former Soviet President Mikel Gorbachev spoke of another Cold War in the making between Russia and the West. And so the world goes on...
As Bible-believing Christians, we are greatly blessed to know why such strife and chaos exists on this planet. We also know that things will get worse. Daniel 12:1 tells us that soon, "There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation." While we should be ever mindful of such, we must also remember the assuring words of Jesus found in Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
In addition, as Bible-believing Christians, we are not to sit in idleness, waiting for the second coming of Christ. The Savior Himself has given us a job to do. "Go ye therefore into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15. All around us there are lost souls hiding fear and uncertainty behind phony smiles and expressions of false confidence. Jesus wants us to reach out to them with the gospel. He wants us to be channels of His love. He wants to make us messengers of His peace to such lost, lonely, and despairing ones that they might find hope and joy in Him.
All around us are those who through drugs, alcohol, and other such behaviors seek to numb the pain of living on this dark and troubled planet. Jesus bids us seek them out. He bids us take to them His light and the healing balm of His abounding grace. Before us all, stretching off into the distance, lay fields unnumbered, "white already to harvest.” But Jesus asks, "Who will go?" Will you go? Will I go? Jesus asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" His servant Isaiah gave the answer. May his answer become our answer: "Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8.
Pastor Mike Thompson