FEAR ALL AROUND AND HOPE INSIDE

 

Saturday, November 5, 2022

 

FEAR ALL AROUND AND HOPE INSIDE

 

Luke 21:25-26

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

 

          We often read the Bible as if the events talked about are either in the distant past or in the distant future. We often talk about prophecy as if the events predicted will happen to a distant generation but certainly not to us today. Only preachers warn us that the sky might indeed be falling.

 

          Jesus warns that nations will rise and fall like the waves of the sea; cresting and crashing! The idea is global instability “with perplexity.” The word perplexity is the Greek word aporia (ap-or-ee’-a) which simply means “a quandary.” The inability of global political leaders to find simple solutions to complex problems is already here!

 

          A few years ago, my wife and I had the privilege of talking to college age young people at Boston Baptist College. One asked: “Do you think my generation will see persecution?” Our answer was an immediate yes! It will be subtle at first and then more aggressive. Our church teens agree that they fear persecution is in their near future. They need more than playful events. They want solid answers. They need God.

 

          Believers are looking for a Savior, not signs. However, as world events cast their dark shadows, we begin to look around like passengers at the gate. We grab our carry-on bags and move toward the line. We prepare!

 

Heb 6:18-19

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

 

Heb 6:18 Amplified

So that by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. 

Heb 6:19 This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it] --a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], [Lev_16:2] 

 

Dear Lord, our hope is both sure and steadfast! Even so come! AMEN