Saturday, March 16, 2024

Pastor's Ponderings, March 16, 2024

God Has The Final Word

 

In an article published by The Hill on 3/13/24, Tara Suter wrote an article entitled, “Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if sovereignty is threatened: Putin.”  Since many nations are supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia, this comment seems terrifying.  The use of nuclear weapons and their retaliatory escalation could then lead to the end of the world.

 

In the Bible Jesus’ disciples also were concerned about the end of the age and they asked Jesus about what would happen (Matthew 24:2).  He said that people would increase in wickedness, but those who stand firm, not temporarily, not from time to time, but to the end would be saved. What should those who love the Lord do?  He emphasized that the Good News of His salvation would be shared all over the world before the end comes (Matthew 24:12-14).

 

Those who love the Lord should not  put our faith and trust in our political leaders, academicians, ecclesiastical leadership, or social influencers.  We should look to Jesus who began and will mature our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  We should be supportive of and join those who are sharing the Gospel at home and abroad.  The end of the world will not be determined by worldly rulers, but it will be determined in God’s timetable.  

 

Let’s not be anxious about threats to our safety or livelihood. Let’s decide to follow Jesus’ directive to go into all the world discipling mankind to believe and obey Him (Mark 16:15-16).  Despite their pretentions, mankind can only go so far as God allows us to go.  Let us pray for mankind to turn to God. We must remember that God raises up leadership and disposes of others and He alone knows the time and the seasons for all things (Daniel 2:20-22).

 

Matthew 24:2, 12-14

New International Version

2 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 
13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come

 

Hebrews 12:2

New International Version

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Mark 16:15-16

New King James Version

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

 

Daniel 2:20-22

New International Version

20 and said “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

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