End of the World
Are we seeing the end of the world? The Middle East is in turmoil. There are wars, protesters, terrorists, civil uprisings, military threats, countries invaded; and on and on it goes? It seems the world is at an impasse where there is no escape, no way to stop all this chaos? We’ve had a long run; from Creation to 2014 A.D., but, what’s on the horizon?
Mark 13:5 records the words of Jesus as He tells us that there will be times like this:
“… when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows …. And you will be hated by all men for My name’s sake …
That sounds frightening; but Jesus softens the blow by assuring us that we won’t be walking through the tempest alone. To illustrate this truth, Jesus chose a small, insignificant bird, a sparrow, to help us understand. In the book of Matthew, Jesus says:
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
While Jesus was talking with the disciples about the frightening future, three times in the conversation, He added the emphasis: do not be afraid (Matt. 10:26, 28, 31). He used a “copper coin” analogy because it was the cheapest coin at that time – as our penny coin is today. When Jesus said “the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” He was using an illustration to show us how intimately and completely God knows each one of us – and how much He cares to know us, and how much He values us.
In Psalm 33:18 we read that the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear [revere] him, upon them that hope in his mercy. Scripture assures us that He is watching over His children. We can put our faith and hope in Him.
Psalm 22:28 tells us that …the Kingdom is the Lords, and He rules over the nations. This world is not beyond the control of our God. He is aware of what is happening.