From the Pulpit: 'The sky is falling'

Listening to the news can be overwhelming, especially when we hear about something like the hurricane hitting Florida. Immediately we worry that this is a sign of the end of time. In Matthew 24:7 it says, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.” So, we look everywhere for these signs in order to predict the end. But also, in Matthew 24, Jesus tells us “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” So, what are we left with? Trusting God.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God does not see the world as we see it. He does not even see time in the same way. He has a plan for us and will keep us with Him. So, even when we experience storms (climate change) or pestilences (COVID) or famine (supply chain issues) we can rest in the promise that God loves us and sent His only Son to die for us. His plan for us is much greater than what we can see.

Jesus will come again. Hebrews 9:28, “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” But we have nothing to fear from that. When Jesus comes again, all this suffering on earth will end and we will live with Him for eternity.

So, watch and read the news, be informed on what is happening in this world and help your neighbor when you can, but rest in the promise of your salvation given to you through God’s grace of Jesus Christ. Nothing can take that from you. Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing can take that away, not even if the sky is falling.