Disasters and the End of the Age

There are two conversations going on during these days of earthquakes, hurricanes, wild fires, droughts, and floods. One is that we are under the disciplining hand of God. The other is that we are in the lasts days and the birth pangs have begun.

In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus was asked about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. It seems that some rebellious Galileans had a worship service rally that got out of hand and the Romans came in and put an end to it and some of the Galileans died in the riot. But the local debate was over whether they were being punished by God for their actions and sin.

Then Jesus brought up another current event disaster, the collapse of the tower of Siloam. Apparently, there were some men of Jerusalem working on this Roman construction project when it suddenly fell on them, killing eighteen. Actually, Josephus, the Jewish historian of the time, recorded both of these events.

Jesus asked the question of both events, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way...do you think that they (the eighteen) were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

Then in Mark 13:7 as Jesus taught the disciples about the horrible events surrounding the end of the age, said this, "...do not be alarmed..." Jesus taught and encouraged His followers to never be afraid of "wars and rumors of wars" but to always know that He lives in us, with us, as us, to the watching world around us! No matter what is shaking, quaking, and breaking, Jesus Christ is with us and the world can know Him by watching and listening to us.

So how do we respond to the current events of our day? No matter what is happening around you, you can always repent of sin that is in you. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the lies you have believed. Ask God to reveal the barrier of intimacy with Him in your life. He is waiting for you to see His view of these things. As He reveals them, reckon (an accounting term for "record it") it as dead and be dead to it and alive to Christ who lives in you. As you see, hear, and experience these current disasters, pray for courage to help others through intercessory prayer and mission work. Repent of any judgmental attitude you may have toward anyone.

And as we get closer and closer to the end of the age, don't be alarmed or afraid. This is the day for being a witness for Christ. He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a saved mind! Let's reach out by going out and taking Jesus to those who are afraid. Let's make disciples for Christ by loving others and teaching them the ways of God. Let's be on offense, not defense. The devil is the one on defense. But Jesus said that his gates will not stop us from going in and robbing him of souls.

Today is the day for intimate prayer, intercessory prayer, for being a witness and making disciples, and for missions like never before. Repent and go out and tell somebody about Jesus!