Nearly 80 years have passed since World War II. Those eight decades have included some close calls. The Berlin Crisis of 1961, the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973 pushed international conflict to the brink of another world war – not to mention some other powder kegs which could have exploded. I would submit to you that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, subsequent to Russia’s 2022 invasion, similarly pushes us to the edge. It’s more than the mind can handle to really think about such dangerous times. The concern is not just nuclear weapons – and who has them – but biological weapons, chemical weapons, killer drones, and hypersonic cruise missiles more than capable of mass extinction.
Of course the Bible doesn’t mention World War III by name, but Jesus makes it very clear that unprecedented trouble is coming to Earth at some point (Matthew 24:21-22): “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”
These are horrific realities prophesied in the Scriptures … false Christs … spiritual deception … widespread war and destruction … famine … natural disasters … intense persecution of believers … death in unprecedented numbers. It’s not a pretty picture. At the same time, our Lord cautions us against over-reacting to every instability on the world stage (Matthew 24:6): “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.”
“See that you are not alarmed.” How can that possibly be?
We can be “not alarmed” because we know where our ultimate security is found. A competent neurosurgeon will tell you the truth about your upcoming procedure, but he’ll also remind you that you’re in the best of hands. If that’s reassuring news from your doctor, and we know it is, how much more comforted ought we be by the enduring and unbreakable promises of God! Tribulation is part of the story that God has written – and that He is unfolding before us – but you and I must never take our eyes off the One who loves us always and forever. He is faithful!
When it comes to our lives here and now, we can expect some suffering. The Word of God calls us to remember, and to stand upon the truth: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13). You and I, because of Jesus, are to walk through the “wars and rumors of wars” of this life so radically transformed by His Spirit – alive in us – that we can celebrate His grace even when things seem to be falling apart.
Alertness, but not alarm.
It’s that time of year when we put up the Christmas decorations. Amidst the lights and tinsel, it’s sometimes easy to forget that we inhabit a fallen planet that’s ravaged by the wages of sin. We live in a steady contrast between the ideal and the real. King Solomon expressed the paradoxical tension like this: God “has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). You and I presently possess a dual citizenship. Even as our physical bodies are earthbound, our spirits echo with the passion of heaven. We sing “How Great Thou Art” and we sing “This World Is Not My Home” – and we know them both to be true. But one day, friends, that dual identity will give way to the singular identity for which we were created and have been redeemed. It’s as good as done.
Until we’re home, through whatever level of tribulation we’re called to witness or endure, we stick with the plan. Our mission is unchanged. As long as we have breath, we’re to be all-in, joyful gospel ambassadors – even in the toughest of seasons. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good (1 Peter 4:19).”
There’s still plenty of good for us to do. As we continue to make Christ known, and to lift high the name of Jesus, we can keep praying fervently, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” … as we long for that time when people who once knew only the way of war will be all about the way of peace. For now, you and I can rest assured that the Prince of Peace has come, that He’s still sovereign and kind, and that He’s still changing hearts and lives.
We’re called to alertness, but never to alarm.
While it remains to be seen if a future conflict might be labeled World War III, there’s an even more sobering reality for us to consider. In the times leading up to these prophesied events, we can expect many around us to be completely oblivious to God’s plan. Jesus reminds us: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:36-39).
Such complacency, ignorance, and apathy are not who we are, for our God has called us by name. In sharp contrast, you and I are off the sidelines and on the playing field. We are wide awake, watchful, and ready for duty. We are fully engaged in the only battle that will count in the end.
By Christ’s grace and for His glory, we are hopeful beyond measure. Come, Lord Jesus!
We are alert but not alarmed.
Pastor Charles
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