Climate Change or Signs from Heaven?
This morning I had one of our final planning committee meetings for next week’s National Day of Prayer event here in Northern Colorado. We anticipate close to 400 in attendance. After being “on hold” for several weeks and months, it seems some of the projects we have had on our agenda are making progress around the house. One of those is the build out of our basement which was started last June.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:11 HCSB
It is interesting to hear prognostications from all kinds of sources for all kinds of future events. The predictions run from, invasion of aliens from outer space, to earth destroying asteroids, rising oceans, plagues and famines.
But when we look into scripture some of the events that are believed to be the source of just chance or the impact of human existence on the planet, may actually happen, but the source is going to be different than modern predictions.
When we look at Jesus warnings about the “end times” we see upheaval on many fronts. We see it in conflict among nations, we see it in economics, political systems and we see it in the heavens and earth itself.
“Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves. People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.“ (Luke 21:25,26 HCSB)
Scripture does not give all the details of events, nor the extent and the timing of their occurrence. But it is clear that in the future before the Lord returns will be times of trials and testing.
We see throughout the Book of Revelation from the opening chapters describing the different colored horses to the plagues brought by angels and the two witnesses all the different aspects of human existence that will be challenged.
What is of interest is that all the events that occur will challenge the pride and superiority of humanity. We are often lead to believe that people are the cause of all problems that exist and are the source of all solutions for those problems. But as Pharaoh of old had to recognize, so all people in the future will recognize that, “this is the finger of God.” We see this because Revelation tells us that they, “cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.” (Revelation 16:11 NIV)
Jesus provides the warnings and tells us the proper response. In a word it is simply, “watch” or “be on guard.”
“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 HCSB)
For many “carousing” and “drunkenness” don’t seem to be an issue, but everyone is vulnerable to “the worries of life.” We are called to be ready, not to panic, to pray and trust the Lord for the strength that is needed for whatever comes. These events will provide an opportunity greater than ever to share the hope that is found in Christ.
There is always a desire to know more and to know when “end time” events will take place. But what is most important is clear and emphasized. We are to keep our focus on Christ, and know that the Lord will provide for His own and has a place in His presence prepared for those who love Him.