Unrest. Chaos. Wars and rumors of wars. Bombings. Fires. Riots. Hatred. Anger. That seems to be our world today. As Christians, it's hard to even know how to pray for all this mess. We are told that all this would come. Jesus warns us about it in Matthew 24:3-14 3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Today is a big day of protest in the United States. Many are very unhappy with the way our government is being run. Even members of my own family are siding with this movement called "No More Kings." In my opinion there is a spiritual reference here that many are missing. The people in this movement are referring to the sitting president of our country, but I believe it has a spiritual reference to rejecting the throne of Jesus Christ Himself. They do not want to bow before the King of kings and Satan is planting these seeds in the hearts of many people. But that's just an aside that's been in my head lately.
So this was my God visit for the morning. I know my job today is prayer. Prayer for safety, peace, and a laying down of hatred. But....I was angry and saddened by the fact that my family members seem to be siding with chaos and lawlessness. So as I was driving around to do errands and struggling to pray like I have been called to do, the Lord confronted me with a profound truth. It's eternity that matters.
No matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on in this country or any other, it's where you spend eternity that matters most. Presidential terms are four yrs. At most they are here for eight. Government leaders come and go. Political winds change for decade to decade. But God and the salvation found in Jesus Christ are forever. I may not agree with another's point of view on how society should be run, but I do agree that they need Jesus. God needed to remind me to look beyond the present troubles of this world and focus on the future of each person I care for, love and meet.
I will not be able to convince anyone to agree with me on every social issue. But I can let the Holy Spirit work through me to convince them of their need for a Savior. And that is what we are called to do. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
In the end, every knee will bow...either willingly ending in eternal life, or begrudgingly ending in eternity in hell. My prayer is that more and more and more people will choose the first option. Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”
Romans 14:9b For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
Of course we should work for justice and peace. We should plead the cause of those who are oppressed and needy. God calls us to help others. What I think God was saying to me today is don't get co caught up with sides that you forget to carry out the great commission, and forget that where people eternity is what matters most.
Lord, let me be focused in my prayers, actions and words to glorify You, to be a blessing, to stand for Your righteousness. Let my heart be broken for the lost instead of angry at people that don't agree with me or You. Help Your children to be salt and light not matter which way the political and societal winds are blowing. People need You! They don't need this human leader or that human leader...they need the one and only King of kings. Open hearts and eyes today to the truth or eternity. Bring peace between You and each and every man, woman and child. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
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