As we watch the news of armies invading lands in Europe, the devastation left behind is described as apocalyptic in nature. The pictures out of Ukraine tug at our hearts and bring tears to our eyes. The human suffering and loss that results from these wars are staggering. Even people who claim no religious affiliation observe these events and wonder if the end of the world is approaching. And we, as Christians, observe nations rising against nations and evil tyrants inspired by an antichrist spirit increasing, our hearts yearn for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to come and reign in justice. We cry out “Come, Lord Jesus”! But until that time we must keep praying, reaching out with compassion to those suffering, and stay on mission until the Lord returns.
During perilous times, we must guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The primary place Satan will attack is in our minds—producing fear and doubts. Often times, this leads us to question God’s plan and purpose for our lives and His imminent return. It is imperative that we keep key truths from the Word of God at the center of our thinking during these perilous times in which we live.
In 1967, the world was writhing in pain due to political unrest, much like it is today. People feared nuclear bombs, further invasions, and economic instability. In the Pentecostal Evangel, dated March March 12, 1967, one author puts things in perspective by helping believers focus on being prepared for Christ’s Second Coming:
We surely live in perilous times and there are many indications that the second coming of Christ is near. We must never forget it. … Very soon the midnight cry will be heard, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye forth to meet Him.” The response of the Church should be, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” The Blessed Hope is found again and again in the Scriptures. It is interwoven in the very fabric of the Christian faith and it ought to color all that we do.
Our Lord’s last words to His Church are, “Surely I come quickly” (Rev. 22:20). This means He is coming without delay and coming without warning—suddenly. First He will come secretly to take away His bride, which is the Church. Then He will come suddenly to judge the wicked and to set up His millennial Kingdom.
We live in the time of the end, the time when Christians are bidden to lift up their heads, and look up, for the coming of the Redeemer is near. May our hearts cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus.” The Savior says, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12). Let us examine our lives to see whether that reward is likely to bring us great joy or exceeding sorrow.
In light of our Lord’s soon return, God is calling His Church to total commitment to Christ, not to human comfort. This requires full faith and surrender (Isa. 54:10). In the midst of human suffering, God is also calling His Church to exhibit Christ’s compassion for the broken hearted and suffering people in our world (Matt. 9:36-38). We must rescue the perishing and care for the dying as the Lord’s return draws nigh. Ultimately, God is calling His Church to focus on the evangelization of the world. This is Christ’s mission for His Church as the time is short and Jesus is coming soon! We must share the Good News of Jesus with all people—no matter where the live in our world. If we invest in the eternal, our faith will not be shaken and our joy will be found in Christ as the foundations of this present life crumble.
In light of Christ’s soon return, Global Initiative: Reaching Muslim Peoples has a laser focus on training pastors, missionaries, lay leaders, and Christ-followers how to share the Truth about Jesus with Muslim people who have lived under the deceit of Satan and who’s eyes are darkened to the Truth. We must reach them now while there is still time!
In light of Christ’s soon return, how might God use YOU to share Jesus with a Muslim friend, neighbor, co-worker? How might God use you to extend compassion to broken-hearted people in your community or across the seas?
May our hearts cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus,” and may we lift up our eyes, as our redemption draws nigh!