Coming OR Here?

 

Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not anxiously look about you,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will
help you, surely I will uphold
you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

It's not been that long ago that three of our finest American young men stopped a terrorist attack on a French passenger train. I couldn't help but feel at the time that the incident could be the start of something much bigger. I didn't know if it would happen anywhere in France, but in recent hours, Paris, France has had to endured horrible attacks on their city. Our own country has just seen the beginning of 10,000 Syrians coming into our country. So far, we have only seen men arrive which to me isn't a good indicator.

Jesus spoke of end time days and things we can expect to see. Just in Matthew 24, Jesus gave a list with the caution in verse 4 to see to it that we allow no one to mislead us.

What are these things He spoke of and to watch for in this chapter?

Pretend Christs will mislead
Hearing of wars and rumors of wars
Nation will rise against nation
Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places
Christians will be delivered to tribulation and persecution
False prophets will arise (just turn on your TV)
Lawlessness will increase
People's love will grow cold

I don't know about you, but I'm seeing all of these things going on and have for awhile. But now we are seeing these things full-blown in our world and country.

As one of Jesus' disciples and a part of Jesus' inner circle, Peter heard most if not all of Jesus' teachings and this portion of Scripture would have been no exception. In Peter's two epistles later in the New Testament, he did all he could to minister to Christians who were having to flee to various countries to hopefully avoid persecution that was being stirred up against them. It has a familiar ring today, doesn't it? Peter's two small books were devoted primarily to one thing...preparation for suffering. Considering the subject, Peter made every effort to be an encouragement for those dear saints. He began in his first letter in 1:3:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who according to His great
mercy has caused us to be born again
to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In a brief period of time, Peter made one thing perfectly clear...there will be suffering for Christians no matter where they are or in what time they live. Let me remind you that Peter is now in Heaven as are those Christians he wrote to. Through his words given to him by the Holy Spirit, He who dwells in the heart of every Christian, now speaks to you and me and gives us counsel regarding suffering we will be called upon to endure. We're called to that because Jesus was called to that and if we are following in His steps, suffering will come knocking on our doors. Peter wants us to be prepared. Hiding our heads in the sand just isn't going to work. In chapter 2:13-15, he gives us suggestions for that preparation.

Prepare your minds for action (Know what's going on, be informed, be ready)
Keep sober in spirit (Sober means we are to be alert)
Keep your hope completely in the grace of Jesus Christ (Place hope in the right place and in the right Person)
Be obedient to the Lord (Obedience in that we don't just hear Him but we act)
Be holy in your behavior (Amid all of the mess, maintain purity of heart & action)

During difficult times, we may not feel like doing any of those things. However, the overriding fact in all of it is that we are to keep our focus on the Lord and not on everything that is going on around us. We must stay on top of things, but not to the point that we forget God's care and provision for each of us. Life will not always feel good, but with Jesus, it can.

Let's remember who our real enemy is. He may come disguised in black clothes, masks and perhaps carrying knives or guns. However, he can come in a three piece suit, as well, with smiles and words that are soon revealed to be lies. Peter went on to say that our real Adversary is the Devil. Peter cautions us to resist him with a firmness in our faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering we go through are being experienced by our brethren who are in the world. (5:9)

I can talk to people, cry on someone's shoulder but Peter tells us to:

Cast all your care on Him,
because He cares for you.
5:7

When horrible events occur whether in Paris, France or in any city of our own country, we must remember that in those times, God has not gone to sleep, He didn't turn His head nor is too busy to handle any situation. Nothing passes by Him...there is never an “oops” with God. Anything that touches our lives has to first filter through the fingers of God. His love for you and me reaches far deeper than we can ever imagine.

Whether negative world events are coming or are here, God is totally in control even if we can't see or comprehend it.

Father, we get nervous when we hear of bombs, victims, and persecution. Help us to be alert and cautious regarding things around us, but still put our trust in your care and protection. Empower us with your strength and courage for these days. In Jesus' precious name....Amen