Is it just me, or does it seem like the world is spiraling out of control, or, as some might say, circling the drain? It hardly matters where you look, one sees not only problematic issues, but that these problems are increasing in intensity and frequency, just like birth pains:
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” [Matthew 24:7-8]
But Jesus also teaches us that the problems of the world are not to be feared, because believers no longer belong to the world:
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. [John 15:19]
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. [John 16:33]
So, if we don’t belong to the world, to where do we belong?
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Philippians 3:20]
But sometimes Heaven seems like a long way away, especially as we are forced to go through all of these earth-bound issues. How can I feel any safety on this side of eternity?
“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for them who trust in him,” [Nahum 1:7]
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” [Psalm 9:9]
We should learn to take advantage of our citizenship, and our refuge.
And the sooner the better.
Blessings,
–Keith