October 19, 2022
“If it bleeds, it leads.” This adage in journalism summarizes the point that fear, violence, and danger (perceived and real) have proven to drive up ratings (increase profits from advertisers) and therefore headlines the news on radio, tv, internet, or print. Journalism tends to build on this with leading questions such as: Will Putin use nukes? Will China invade Taiwan? Will the USA be drawn into W.W.III? Will you lose your retirement in a stock market crash? Will the housing market implode? Will the Lions lose every game during the rest of the season? (Sorry about that one.) But, you get the idea. We live in an uncertain world that seeks to leverage that uncertainty in order to generate fear that tends to obscure our view of how things really are and WHO is in charge.
When my kids were young, they would ask an endless string of “what if” questions that could never be satisfactorily answered. So, I would usually end up asking them, “What if the sun explodes?” The point being that if this is what happens, all of their "what-ifs" won’t matter and I have no way of knowing if the sun is going to explode or not. So, it was particularly satisfying to me to hear my oldest grandson pestering my son with a string of what-ifs, only to hear my son ask his son, “What if the sun explodes?”
But, there is some reason for pause in some of the questions, right? Putin could use nukes. China could invade Taiwan. And yes, we are painfully aware of the fact that the Lions are capable of losing every game remaining on their schedule. So, how are to we live in view of these present realities? Let’s look carefully at some of the truths that God has made known to us for our good and his glory.
1. God is Sovereign and has no equal.
2. God does all things for his glory and plan.
3. This world is not forever.
4. Our lives on this earth in this present state are not forever.
5. Our world has rebelled against its Creator and is living with those consequences.
6. It will get worse before it gets better.
7. Christ will return and take over!
8. The Kingdom of God is forever.
In view of those, let’s look at some of our present concerns and fears. What about climate change? There is not a consensus on this, but what if it were true? Could it be that as we get closer to the end of this age that we could expect these sorts of things? Sure! Jesus talked about famines and earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7) as a preview to great tribulation. What about nukes? Again, these things are certainly possible. Jesus talked about wars (real) and rumors of wars (potential) but he also said not to be alarmed, “for this must take place.” (Matthew 24:6) Did you get that? This MUST take place. So, when you hear of fearful news headings, rather than panic and say, “God what are you doing????” Rest in Christ! Rest in the fact that God is keeping his promises. He said these things are going to happen and we should neither be surprised nor terrified when they do.
So, what will the end be? What is the kingdom of God like? At the heart of it is God dwelling with, enjoying, delighting in his people, and his people dwelling with, enjoying, delighting in, and reverberating his great love back to Him and to one another. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Oh beloved! Anything that gets us closer to that should be seen as part of the goodness of God keeping His Word.
And by the way, in that day the sun won’t explode. There will be no need of a sun “for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23)
For the Son, his glory, kingdom, and bride!
Bob
Sunday’s Text: 1 Samuel 28:8-25