Last week President Obama said our national security and that of the world is dependent on successful negotiations with Iran (a nation that calls us the “Great Satan” and has vowed to destroy Israel). The Joint Plan of Action will freeze Iran's enrichment
of uranium and halt plutonium production—thus averting
nuclear proliferation in the region. Yeah right.
Just the thought that international security is contingent
upon Iran’s honesty and good intentions is frightening. David's words seem fitting: “the nations conspire and plot in vain” (Ps. 2:1).
Knowing that the God of the universe is in control and sets
the appointed times of events on earth is a great source of comfort and peace for us. “For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the
nations. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their
hope and confidence” (Ps. 22:28; Jer. 7:17). Thank God, our security is not contingent on diplomatic resolution with Iran!
Toward the end of 2012, I wrote a post about the uncertainties the lie
the head in 2013. Those uncertainties included the global economy, instability
in the Middle East, and high unemployment.
Little did I know what other uncertainties lie ahead for me—chief of
which was a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer along with its attendant ensuing activities,
each with its own degree of uncertainty!
Is life less uncertain today than it was 16 months ago?
Perhaps for me, but not for the global economy, Middle East, or
the unemployed. One thing is certain though: continued uncertainty (John
16:33). Consequently, earthlings look for concrete, material things to make them feel secure, while the believer is anchored by an immaterial, but rock-solid faith and confident expectation that God purposes to make all things good for those who love and trust Him (Rom. 8:28). "Faith is the confidence of a sure and steadfast hope which anchors our soul; faith is the certainty of things we cannot see" (Heb. 11:1; 6:19, edited).
The Israeli army is building a wall to run along part of its border with Lebanon. Already having one on the Palestinian border, they will soon have one on their border with Egypt. Given the changing political climate, it is no wonder.
Throughout history, walls have been used to defend cities from potential aggressors. In the Bible, walls were the places of battle—the only thing that stood between a city and its enemies. Walls are therefore used metaphorically of security and safety (Isa. 26:1; 60:18). In America, we don't have walls around our cities, but we have walls around our homes, and walls on our borders. The walls of our houses are strong, thick, and insulated to keep things in (privacy) and keep things out (noise, heat, cold, unwanted people).
It seems to me that Israel’s actions might be used to remind The Church (the New Israel) that it must build strong walls to keep in solid doctrine and keep out worldly influence. As the last days get closer, there will be tremendous pressure for all peoples to let down their walls and move toward unity and acceptance. Christ followers will be pressured to accept religious pluralism. Metaphorically speaking, we ought to make sure we are building solid walls of truth to keep out the doctrines of demons and protects us, corporately and individually, against the fiery darts of Satan.
As a follow-up to yesterday’s post, I think I must clarify that many credible biblical scholars believe the Rapture will occur before the tribulation (Matt. 24:29-31; 1 Thess. 4:16-17). Therefore, some think there’s a strong likelihood that the rapture of the Church could be the event that precipitates the final collapse of the world economy. Not only will the raptured ones leave behind houses, cars, jobs, etc., but their unpaid debts could be ruinous to banks and mortgage companies and the housing market.
If this happens, those who are left behind will have a monumental task on their hands to restore some sense of security. I don’t think anyone cay say the Rapture will definitely occur before the tribulation. But whenever it does occur, just imagine the damaging impact on the world—economically, psychologically, spiritually. “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt. 24:21).
The first decade of the 21st century has produced some incredible changes. Ten years ago there was no Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. The internet highway was largely untraveled, and two start-up companies called Google and Yahoo seemed like jokes. Ten years ago, no one could have imagined the need for a law prohibiting texting while driving. And many more such technologies have changed our lives—for better or worse!
Many of the changes of the last decade have been driven by fear. The “world as we knew it” was forever changed by 9-11: unbelievable changes in airport security; the advent of two wars in pursuit of an invisible enemy. Some are calling it the “decade of fear”—fear of terrorism, global warming, swine flu, recession, losing your home or job. Consequently, new laws were implemented, forever altering our our life styles.
How ought a follower of Christ live in an ever-changing world? What can protect us from unexpected, anxiety-producing changes? The answer is clear: by fixing ourselves on an unchanging God. The change that should occupy our attention is the change that is going on inside of us, as the Holy Spirit is changing (transforming) us into the image of Jesus. We should live as those who have been crucified to this world (Galatians 6:14), its influence of minimal importance. After all, we are not of this world, are we? (John 8:23) And we live in this changing world with the hope that someday “we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-52).
Now that’s change you can believe in.
