Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Mark 13:7-8 "... when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows."
DO NOT BE TROUBLED!
These destructive events are happening right now. The apostles note in their writings that they were living in the last times. Martin Luther looked at the world around him and noted that these must be the last times. What was true in their time is even more true in our time. Signs are occurring and prophecies are being fulfilled all around us every day. Christ is coming, and when He returns, we are told, "... the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
But, before we start running up a big credit card bill because Christ will return before we have to pay it off, let us keep in mind that these signs of which Christ speaks are signs that point to the fact that the end is near. They are not the means by which God will bring the world to an end. The world will be brought to an end when Christ returns, and not before then. This is especially important in our day of doomsayers.
Currently we are being bombarded in the media by warnings of global warming. We are told that if something is not done to protect the environment, life on earth will come to an end. God tells us in His Word that we are to be good stewards of the things He has given us. We are to tend to His creation. But Christ says that we should not be troubled by troubles that befall this creation, for such things must happen. And when they do happen, don't freak out. God is in control! In His Word, He tells us that man will not bring this creation to an end. In fact, He tells us that, "While the earth remains, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night, shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).
We need not fear the signs of the end, for they mean Jesus our Savior is coming, returning in glory to bless us and fulfill all He has promised to His forgiven children. "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).
