Just Look

People have consistently disregarded Jesus’ warnings that indicate to me that these times could very well be the awful times Jesus forewarned us about as recorded in Matthew 24. Of course, I hope I am proven wrong. Yet, don’t you see what I am seeing? “Wars and rumors of wars…” etc.

Yes, there have been such things throughout human history (though not happening all together at the same time), and the oppressed and empathetic have always asked “Why?” I recommend everyone read the very short book of the Bible’s prophet Habakkuk where he expresses his sorrow and his questions over the similar dilemmas of his time.

“How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.”

The Bible doesn’t hide from these things: Jesus said, “See, I have told you ahead of time.” (Matthew 24:25)

• Jude 1:18–19 — “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, …”
• 2 Timothy 3:1–2 — “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money…”
• 2 Peter 3:3–4 — “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, …”

How do you see it, the condition of the world these days?

Notwithstanding all that, there is the brighter side — you may have noticed it in young people’s musical praise and worship videos, or on TV broadcasts like the Brooklyn Tabernacle’s programs — that it is obvious this phenomenon also is happening: Joel 2:28 —

“… I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: …”

This has continued to happen since the Day of Pentecost and will continue to the very end. It isn’t hiding. It isn’t hard to find. People choose to ignore. Many like happy, happy distractions, as if life was all about sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. Disregarding the hard things about life is no solution. We should always look for solutions.

Matthew 11:29 — “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Consider Jesus.