Radical Thoughts?

 

As I write this New Zealand enters the first day of a 'new normal' with what is called 'the Traffic Light System', as a way of trying to control the spread of the COVID virus.  It remains to be seen how effective this will be, but there are very clear guidelines as to how this works.  It is bringing a clear division between those who are vaccinated and those who are vax resistant (some for health reasons, but most out of personal conviction or choice).  Each of us gets to choose which way to lean and each now gets to live life in a certain way because of our choice.  Vaccination pass equals freedom, no pass, limited freedom; the choice is ours and the consequence of that choice is ours too.

As the world has radically changed these past 2 years, my thoughts as a Bible believer and Jesus follower have mulled over these events. Specifically I have been thinking about what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 and also the revelation given to the apostle John which we read in the book of Revelation. In these passages God clearly warns that things on this earth will get tough before "heaven and earth pass away" (Matthew 24:35). Yes, in spite of every human effort to save this planet, (and we should be responsible in our care of it), it will, one day, (possibly sooner, rather than later), pass away.  God has a timetable, and I agree with the scientists, who tell us that the clock is almost at midnight.

So, you may ask, what does this have to do with choice?  A great deal!  I have felt that the changes happening in our world are really just a 'warm up' for bigger things to come. Jesus referred to some of the things we are seeing now as ' the beginning of sorrows'.  And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled,  for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:6-8. We are certainly seeing these 'warm up' signs in the world now.

The other 'warm up' as I am calling it, is the vax dilemma. Many people were hesitant at first because of a lot of misinformation which has been, for the most part, debunked.  There will come a time for a choice that will have life-changing consequences, in this world, for those who choose to believe and follow Christ rather than accept the sign of a 'new world' worship system.  Let me quote......He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,  and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark. Revelation 13:16-17.  Although Revelation is acknowledged to contain a lot of 'picture language', I think God has made this particularly clear to believers so that there will be no question in our minds about it when it comes to pass. Refusing that mark, however it is given, is going to be an affirmation of the choice we have made to follow only Jesus Christ and worship only Him.

It's not only the governments in this world that are calling people to make what are life-altering choices.  God, our creator and sustainer, also requires an eternity-altering choice from you, from me, from every person who has ever walked this earth.  We only get to make this decision while we walk this earth.  And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27. There is no second chance, no re-incarnation as some would like to think.  

As Christmas fast approaches, decorations go up, carols are sung, take a thought again about what we are really celebrating.  You may have made it about people, families, parties and presents but the real reason for the celebration of this season is the world-changing arrival of Jesus Christ, the son of the living God who says, I am THE way, THE truth and THE life.  No-one comes to the Father except through (believing in) Me. John 14:6 (Parenthesis mine).  He was God in the flesh, born with the express purpose of reconciling sinful humanity to God.  Our sins have separated us from God BUT Jesus' death and resurrection have made a way back to the Father.  Consider Him and make your choice.  The apostle John reinforces the need for choice when he writes...  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.... 1 John 5:12-13.

This is the biggest choice and most important choice in life you are called to make.  Choose thoughtfully.

Prayer:  Creator God, maker of all mankind, speak to my heart and show me your truth. Amen.

Facing the Fire

 Everywhere we look today, it is so easy to see people surrounded by trials, tribulation and tragedy.  We see displaced people suffering at borders, drowned trying to escape to a safer place, senseless murders, unexpected flash flooding, wars, hatred, distrust.  Closer to home I have friends with cancer, fighting for their lives, families divided, and some facing great financial hardship.  This is life and it's hard.

Jesus warned his followers that even they would not be immune from difficulty.  He said, "In the world you will have tribulation..." John 16:33.  This word tribulation can mean pressure, anguish, affliction, distress, persecution. All of us experience some of this at times, no life is trouble-free in this fallen world.

If you are facing the fire of tribulation or trials today, I have some words of comfort for you.  Also in John 16:33 Jesus said the words he had been speaking to his disciples in these hours leading up to his most pressing trial to encourage them.  He said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  Jesus suffered much in his few years on this earth and his greatest trial was about to happen, the fiery trial of beatings, mocking, scourging, culminating in a cruel crucifixion.  He knows about facing the fire because he's been in it and triumphed over it so that, eventually, we can dwell with him forever in a place where there are no tears or sadness, only peace, and joy.

This morning I was reading in Daniel 3 the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were Jewish boys in captivity in Babylon who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's huge statue when the appropriate music was played.  When challenged they were given a choice, bow or be thrown into the fire. Their response was, "If this is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O King.  BUT IF NOT, we will serve no other God, nor will we worship the golden image you have set up."

These young men believed God was able to deliver them from the fire and he did, BUT they first went through the fire and Jesus was seen walking with them in the fire. When the king saw the power of their God, he had them brought out of the fire.  The amazing thing was that not a hair of their head or their clothes were affected, and they did not even smell of smoke!! And, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged their God as the One to be feared.

Can you say with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that your God is able to deliver you but if not, you will still worship him?  Their trial did not make them angry or bitter or discouraged. Your fiery trial can be a place of closeness to God that you couldn't experience any other way. God will teach us lessons and refine us in every fire, if we just put our trust in Him, and in His faithfulness and love for us.

If you walk with Jesus through your fire you too can come through without 'smelling of the smoke' of bitterness, anger, disappointment and the other things that spoil our witness and trust in God.

Maybe you are not facing the fire right now but you know many who are, nearby, and across the world.  Pray for them, feel with them, give to them, that they might be strengthened and encouraged, that they might know the peace of God that passes all understanding in their trial.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our faithful God, I praise and thank you for your love in never allowing your children to go through the fire alone.  You have promised to never leave us or forsake us, and so I ask today for your presence, your power and your grace to be with those who find themselves in any fire of affliction.  May they be comforted and strengthened by you as they trust in you.  I ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ who died for us.  Amen