The doomsday clock is ticking

How frightened should we be about events in our world today? Should we be concerned about what’s happening around us?

Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars, yet the end is not yet; however, He also chided the disciples, saying that even though they could sense storm clouds on the horizon – meaning that a storm was brewing – they were still oblivious to the signs of the times.

Without undue pessimism, there is a need for concern for many reasons. Terrorism has taken on a very dangerous turn. Hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of suicide bombers are now willing to die simply to cause the deaths of other people.

But the chief reason for concern today is the ongoing battle for the minds of people. Ideologies are forming battle lines, saying, “If you are not with us, you are against us; and if you are against us, you are my enemy; and if you are my enemy, I am justified in destroying you.”

There is one thing, however, that people don’t factor into their analysis. The hand of a sovereign God who orders the affairs of our world, moving nations as chess pieces on a game board, allowing nothing apart from His permissive will. He is not sleeping, nor has He closed the door to His heaven. It is He who determines what happens, even allowing enemies to punish those who think they should be immune from difficulty. As the psalmist wrote, “It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another” (Psalm 75). Remember, Jesus told His own that when we see these things begin to come to pass, we are to lift up our heads because our redemption is near.

Remember these things when you listen to the news.

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address box4000@guidelines.org. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.