Dear Friends,
As I write the attention of the world’s media has shifted from Libya to Cote d’Ivore (Ivory Coast). It seems that the last few months have been completely overshadowed by one ‘civil war’ after another. The sad facts are that the issues in Cote d’Ivore are not new, but have been going on for years. The news media however only have limited time or space, so they have to prioritise, but it seems that there is always adequate material to speak of human carnage and brutality. The question could rightly be asked, “Is there no good news?”
If you are a Christian reading this then you know that there is good news. It is the central message of the Bible. The Old Testament prepared for it and the New Testament looks back and explains it, but we don’t live in the past. Our faith is built on facts of history and God’s revealed promises in the Bible, but ultimately we look forward with hope.
As soon as we venture into the area of prophecy and what we are to expect in the future, the ‘experts’ come out of hiding and explain how it is all going to pan out. I don’t intend building any sort of straw man of other people’s convictions, rather I want us to consider 2 clear statements of Scripture. Taken alone each would suggest that Scripture contradicts itself, but seen as equally valid we see that Scripture complements itself.
The Lord Jesus Christ in Mt. 24 explains some of the devastation that will mark the end of the age. Similarly, Paul in 2 Tim 3 writes, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”
It has to be acknowledged that as this age, between the 1st and 2nd comings of Christ draws to a close there will be increased tension at all levels and yet Habakkuk writes “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (2:14) He seems to have a great hope. How can we reconcile these apparent contradictions? The answer I suggest is in the words of Paul in 1 Cor. 15:52f “… but we shall all be changed, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye …”
When Linda and I began exploring the opportunities for missionary service we saw a video on Ivory Coast, entitled, “The Doors not open, it’s off the hinges.” The opportunities for service seemed infinite, but we know of a young couple who have been waiting for almost 10 years to serve in Ivory Coast, who have recently offered their services to the church in another African country. The opportunities changed overnight.
As it seems the return of Christ is delayed, so people become more complacent or more opposed to God and His Word. It is easy to think that God has forgotten us. That is a dangerous mistake. God has not forgotten or deserted His people and there is a day coming when every eye will see Him. Not only will they see His glory, but Paul tells us that they will all bow the knee. That reverence might not be given to a Saviour, but it will certainly be to a Lord. The centre of attention will immediately shift from human carnage and complacency to the glory of God.
What do we do with these facts? We live confident that we are on the victory side. God already has the victory. His purposes and plans will be fulfilled. Gospel preaching will be successful and Christ’s bride will be complete. On the other side though, we live in anticipation of his sudden arrival. It is vital that every human being receives by faith the salvation that God has prepared in Christ. It is equally important that we prepare for His coming, by daily enjoying all that He provides for us, but also that we live to serve Him and His people.
Confident in Him alone,
Bernard Lewis
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