By Ron Hutchcraft
The world sure changed in recent days.
Once again, we are plunged into a season of unnerving peril and uncertainty. This time it's drones and missiles.
The Apostle Paul's sober warning to his young protégé Timothy echoes across the centuries: "In the last days, perilous times will come" (2 Timothy 3:1).
He went on to describe why it would be so dangerous as history's fourth quarter approaches. It's not because of weapons or wars. But because of what people will become.
The description is disturbingly familiar.
"People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving... and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good."
I can probably go on social media right now and find it all.
But don't you get the feeling that there's something much bigger going on here than just global politics and converging crises? Maybe you're feeling what I'm feeling...
There's something profoundly spiritual going on in our world and in our time! Something climactic.
I don't have words for it. Except to say - our world is increasingly starved for a Messiah. Someone who can fix what seems hopelessly broken.
But we're increasingly disillusioned with all the things and people we thought would be a messiah for us.
And waiting at the threshold of human history - and billions of fearful hearts - is Jesus. Returning one day to the world that "crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8). But this time coming as "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). To a world described in Biblical prophecies as remarkably like our own.
My bottom line is simple: all that really matters is what will matter when Jesus comes! The truth is, a lot that won't matter then tends to matter too much to us now. And a lot that will matter then gets pushed to the margins.
Once again, I hear Paul's voice, this time giving Timothy his marching orders.
"God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord... I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead... preach the Word of God... work at telling others the Good News" (2 Timothy 1:7-8; 4:1-5).
I want to see what Jesus sees when He looks at the people in my world. "Sheep without a shepherd." "Lost." "Perishing."
In Him, we have the Hope people have despaired of ever finding. We have the peace that defies the storm. We have the love that finally fills our empty hearts. We have the Message that changes eternities!
We have the Gospel!
And with our eyes on the fourth quarter game clock, we need to be spreading that Good News as never before! Faster. Farther. Better.
God has assigned us here "for such a time as this."
Hard times? Yes. But harvest time!