We are living in uncertain times. But you knew that already. I didn’t have to tell you. It seems the world is in upheaval. Not only is there war in Ukraine, but also in Iran. The tariffs are off and on again. One minute we’re getting ready to invade Greenland, and the next we’re not. What’s next with the economy? No one knows. While none of this is pleasant, none of it is really new.
Jesus spent His years of ministry in an occupied country. There had been numerous so-called messiahs before. Roughly forty years after He died there was a rebellion that was put down so brutally that the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. While the temple still stood in Jesus’s day, those tensions were building in His lifetime. Many Jewish groups argued with each other about what should be done, and some even collaborated with the Romans. Times were tough.
How, then, should we live? Do we scream The end is near? Do we accept things as they are and wait patiently for God to take us home? Perhaps there is a better way. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Apparently, there is still some work to be done. Do good works. Fellowship. Encourage one another. And the return of the Lord isn’t reason to abandon these things, but all the more reason to do them!
In Matthew 22:39 Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving your neighbor isn’t conditional on things going smoothly in the world. It’s not something we give up on just because the world is in chaos. No, this is the time to double-down on loving others as the evidence of our faith.
I get it. It’s easier said than done. These are scary times. We just want to hold onto our loved ones and let everyone else deal with their own problems. But those who trust in the Lord are called to act in courage. And the truth of Scripture gives us the strength to do so. Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
No matter what is going on in the world, God isn’t surprised. He is still in control. Those who put their faith in Him need to act like they believe this.
