The conflict in Lebanon and Israel is terrible. Israel is seeking to protect itself from enemies whose stated purpose is Israel’s destruction and whose behavior is consistent with their purpose. The enemy is not governmental but terroristic. They have hidden themselves among the population of Lebanon – some who support their purpose, but many who do not. Unfortunately, shells and rockets cannot differentiate between the two types of Lebanese.
Is this conflict the beginning of the end? Is the coming of Christ around the corner?
No doubt, the conflict should cause us to pay closer attention to issues at stake. Even if this is not the beginning of a count down to the Lord’s return, the Scripture clearly tells us that “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. (Rom. 13:11) His coming may or may not be tomorrow, but his coming is a day closer at the very least. Whenever the Lord comes, the mission of believers remains the same. Paul declared to the Thessalonian believers: For who is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy! (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) The thing that we will have to offer the Lord when He returns are those who have trusted Him by way of our witness. Trouble should reemphasize for us the main mission: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
No comments:
Post a Comment