There are many things going on in the world. Understanding what is happening, why they are happening, and what we as Christians ought to do about them is the challenge we all face today.
What is really going on?
Everything that is happening today, is in the plan of God that He established before the Creation of the world. Nothing happens in this universe unless it is by the direct plan and approval of God. Every disaster, famine, pestilence, war, weather event, and so on are all part of His plan.
Every one of these was planned by God and prophesied by Jesus Christ, saying that they would be the signs of His second coming. Spend a few minutes reading Matthew chapter 24, Luke chapter 21, or Mark chapter 13 and you will recognise every one of these events in His words.
Why is this happening?
Scripture provides clues as to why these things are happening. They are happening to let Christians know that Jesus is about to return, so that we can begin making ready for His coming, because as Jesus said:
32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. (Matthew chapter 24, verses 32-33)
If we know these things are taking place and they are the signs of His coming, what should we as Christians be doing now?
What we should NOT be doing
I have noticed Christians praying for the disasters to stop and for COVID to end. I have also seen many Christians getting involved in political issues and protesting against governments over how they are dealing with these challenges.
Such actions may seem like a good idea, but they are not what Jesus said for us to do.
Think for a moment. If God prophesied that these events would take place before Jesus returns, and if He told us that these would be the signs, should we be asking Him to stop? Should we be saying to God that, while we know these things are written in the Bible, we don't want them to actually happen?
No, we should not.
By all means pray that they may take place quickly and that God will protect His people. But know and understand that these things MUST happen to fulfil what is written in scripture, and to usher in the second coming of Christ and His rule and reign over this earth.
What we SHOULD be doing
Christ Himself told us what to actually do in these days.
33 Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Watch therefore--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning-- 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Watch." (Mark chapter 13, verses 33-37)
Four times in this scripture Jesus told us what we are to do: WATCH!
He did not tell us to actually do anything other than watch these signs unfold and to understand the times we are in. He didn't tell us to get involved in the politics of disaster. He didn't tell us to pray to end these disasters. He didn't tell us to stand in defiance against governments who have no idea what is going on.
He just said to watch and understand.
Understand these signs
He also didn't tell us to be fearful and afraid when we saw these things take place. The rest of the world, who do not understand, will be fearful and afraid but Christians have been instructed in advance of these things and how to act.
28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke chapter 21, verse 28)
Look up! Look up to Jesus because He is coming and that is cause for great joy!
For the rest of the world this is a great time of fear and suffering. But for the people of the Lord who know what is going on, this is a time for joy, because our Lord and Master is coming to usher in His kingdom upon earth, and to save His people who are faithful.
Be prepared
So let us not think like the world does. They struggle and are losing hope. The governments of the world don't know how to deal with all that is happening because they are unenlightened.
But those who know Christ understand what is coming and are preparing for these things.
It will get worse before the Lord's foot sets down on the earth once again. There are still many things to happen, which is why we must not lose heart and fall into hopelessness like the rest of the world. Instead, we stand firm in the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ as we watch the signs unfold and eagerly await His return
Since retiring from work, John Lemmon now spends his time teaching, preaching and writing about the word of God, online and offline, answering God's call on him to “Speak to my people.” You can connect with John on Twitter (@JohnBLemmon) or on his website: freegiftfromgod.com/ or listen to his podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-free-gift-from-god-podcast/id1440682375
