Pastor's Ponderings, April 6, 2015

God Is At Work

During the last week of March 2015, the world witnessed two startlingly contrasting images.  Iran was negotiating with the world powers over reducing the possibility of war while terrorists in Kenya were killing students whose only crime was to want to learn.  Those of us who remember the horrifying images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as people were incinerated instantly when the atoms bombs were dropped, hope the world never sees a repeat.  However, there are people desperately working to provoke more wars with whoever is helpless and available.

We know that there have always been wars and as the end of the world approaches there will more and more wars and rumors of war (Matthew 24:6).  But how should those who love the Lord respond when they hear of heinous acts of terror?  Should we cower and hope bad things go away? 

This is the time for those who love the Lord to stand firm in their belief in God (Matthew 24:12, 13).  Many will give up and say whatever is popular and most convenient.  They will take the path of least resistance.  They will go along with the majority because it causes fewer problems.

But now is not the time to compromise and to affirm that anything is all right.  Now is the time to proclaim your obedience to God and your love for Him.  Now is the time to lift up Jesus.  Now is the time to say, ‘Come hell or high water, I will stand up for what is right and what is holy.  I will treat my brother right even though he hurts me, I will love the unlovable, I will help my enemies because God is still in charge, and He is still working on the behalf of those who obey Him (Philippians 2:13) and when He is through we will come through as gold (Job 23:10).’  God is working in us.

Matthew 24:6, 12, 13
New International Version (NIV)

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

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.

Philippians 2:13
Amplified Bible (AMP)

13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Job 23:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.