We live during a remarkable time in history. Last week we talked about the polarization of society. Tensions are running high in this election due to the opposite philosophies that many run their lives on and the different glasses through which they view the world. Combine the polarization of America with the hatred that our enemies have towards us and the desire that many others have to live in America, and we recognize that people’s feelings today are stretched to the limit. We sense that we are on the verge of some stupendous change. And, according to the Bible, we are.
The Bible says that there will be a “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation,” Daniel 12:1. Jesus reaffirmed Daniel’s statement with His own in Matthew 24:21. For the Christian, we ought always to live our lives realizing that times will suddenly change, and following that Jesus will return in glory to receive the saved. So, when we see the polarization of ideas replacing tolerance while weapons of destruction are in the hands of terrorists who hate America, we are reminded that one of these days, our peaceful and prosperous lives will take a drastic change for the worse.
What is it that has kept these tensions from exploding into chaos up until now? The only answer I can find is found in Revelation 7: 1-3. Here is a vision John sees of four angels who hold the “winds” from blowing on the earth. In Bible prophecy, “winds” are winds of strife as seen in the vision of Daniel 7 when the wind was stirring up the great sea and four beast came up out of the waves consecutively. The winds represented the strife and warfare among nations that resulted in one nation superceding another. According to the picture given in Revelation, there are angels appointed by God to hold back the winds. In other words, God has appointed angels to keep things on earth relatively stable until He decides the time has come to let life on earth unravel naturally.
We don’t often think about it, but sin and selfishness lead to self-destruction. The fact that we have not destroyed ourselves on this planet is a testimony to the ongoing care and intervention of God. In Luke 19:42, Jesus told the Jews that they did not realize what things contributed to their peace, and that God had hidden those things from their eyes. The peace that we have today is the result of the hand of God, not only in keeping the peace, but in prospering this nation. Daniel 2:21 says, “He changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings.” While God gives freedom to all, He is overseeing this grand experiment that has been going on for six thousand years. He is about ready to let it come to a climax so He can intervene and bring an end to sin and suffering.
What will bring about this time of trouble? No one knows. It might be an economic collapse that causes a chain of events. It might be some mega terrorist activity that also could causes a chain of economic and military events. It could be outside interference like the impact of a meteorite or asteroid as seemingly depicted in Revelation 8:7-13. It might be a rogue nation beginning a nuclear (short) war. It might be something not on the above list or a combination of events. What we do know is that God has allowed us relative peace until now and trouble is ahead.
One of the last signs before Jesus returns in glory is that “men’s hearts will fail for fear and the expectation of things that are coming on the world,” Luke 21:26. Today we experience more fear than we used to. In the 50’s and 60’s, to sell a car, the manufacturer advertised its power. Today, to sell an automobile, they advertise its safety features. People are afraid, and this will increase.
Do we have to live in fear? Not at all! Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” He also said, “In this world you will have trouble. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So what should our response be to the trends around us? In the chapter concerning the signs of His return Jesus said, “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door,” Matthew 24:33. It is a time to look beyond what is happening to us and realize what is about to happen for us. We are on the verge of eternity. People are soon to be sealed for salvation or destruction. It is time to help others realize what is at stake and to be sure that our own lives are in order. Peter asked: “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” 2 Peter 3:11.
So, don’t be afraid because the worse things get, the sooner will be the end of trouble and the beginning of eternity. Just make sure you are on the winning side: God’s side! And, determine every day that you can give that hope to someone else. Until next week, keep focused on God.
Until Next Week,
Dennis
dennispumford.com
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