We are living in a time and a place and space where we believe “that doesn’t happen” – but it does. Whether it’s school shootings or wrongful deaths at the hands of our officers of the law, or mass murders by those who feel justified to take the lives of others, we are overwhelmed by news that draws us closer to the biblical description and prediction of the end times.
We watch and wonder in horror as we reflect upon that which we couldn’t have imagined happening, but it continues to. Inquiring minds begin to wonder if this is what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 24:3 – 12 when He gave His disciples insight into the signs of the end of this system and His return. We know that to be forewarned is to be forearmed, but wisdom is in whether we heed the warning.
Several months ago, I blogged “Maybe God Is Trying to Tell Us Something”, and maybe He is; but are we listening and paying attention? As I watch the volcanic eruption in Hawaii and all of the natural disasters we have witnessed over the last year, it reminds me that nature lets us know who is in control and who has the final say. For those of us who believe that this is not all that there is, we watch, wait, and put our trust in a God who gave us signs, so as not to be discouraged by what we see, hear, and experience. We place our lives and times in His hands and know that this is not all there is.
On a recent trip to Egypt I visited one of the Pharaoh’s tombs and was struck by pictures of scales and the Pharaoh giving an account of his life to the gods. In order for the Pharaoh to enter into eternal life, his heart had to be as light as a feather. When a Pharaoh came before the gods, a review of their life would determine whether his heart was as light as a feather and he could enter into the eternal kingdom.
We may not be able to change the course of nature, or the hearts and minds of those whose hearts have been waxed cold (Matthew 24:12), but we can change ourselves and align our lives in such a way that our hearts may be as light as a feather. Get ready, there’s more to come.
So when you hear about wars and rumors of wars, and we see and hear about tragedies that we thought were unheard of, don’t be discouraged; Jesus warned us all of such troubled times. Just remember that there is more come. This is not all that there is.
Peace and Blessings,
Gail