These two lovebirds haven’t yet celebrated their second anniversary. We were present at their wedding when this photo was taken.  The bride is a close relative and is married to a Marine who is now awaiting orders for deployment. Our hearts are heavy for them during this wartime.
The Bible has a lot to say about our attitude during troubled times. Of course, God has a plan for the world, for each of our families, and for us. He planned good for all those who love and obey him since our first human parents walked the earth. In Noah’s day, he had to wipe the slate clean and start anew with one believing, obedient family. Since then, there have been numerous judgments on his special people, Israel, when they disobeyed. These were a form of mercy to push them to realign themselves with him. Each military defeat was a wake-up call. Each deportation and scattering was God’s cry to come back to him.

God has a plan that will be accomplished. He tells us enough of his plan so that we can prepare. Jesus predicted the fall of Jerusalem almost 40 years before it happened. In the passage of Scripture below, he was warning his followers that their beloved city and beautiful Temple would be destroyed and the people of Israel would be scattered to all the nations. Some of those who heard this might have lived to see the horror. Others who were older recorded Jesus’ prophecy for the rising generation. This Gentile domination and lack of statehood for Israel would continue until the time God determined. Jesus didn’t want his followers to lose heart when this happened, but to know that God was still in control even when terrible things happened. You may wonder what the destruction of an ancient city in Israel has to do with us, 21st century Americans. Keep reading!

“Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,  “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”. . . When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.  Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.  For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.  How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.  They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:5-6, 20-24

Secondly, God has a plan which will be accomplished in his timing. We must be wary of false claims as we patiently wait for God to unfold his plan. We don’t need to know the exact time when God will accomplish his plans. Many will claim titles, claiming God sent them. Others will claim to know the exact dates certain things will happen. They are false prophets.

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” Luke 21:7-8

Thirdly, we must not let fear take over our thinking. God is in control. When the world is in upheaval, we trust in his goodness.

“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:9-11

Fourth, long before the end of time, we must be prepared for persecution. It is the norm throughout history since our Lord was wrongfully arrested and crucified.  The persecution will come from religious leaders, from governments, and maybe hardest- from family. But all this opposition will be an opportunity to talk about Jesus. In spite of society’s hatred, believers will respond with words and wisdom supplied to them by God. The one thing they cannot lose is their eternal souls. They may be imprisoned, betrayed, or killed, but they will win true life.

“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:12-19

Fifth, at the last time, there will come extraordinary celestial signs and great disturbances in the oceans of the world. There will be disruptions in the atmosphere and/or outer space. Paranoia will reign.

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies(or powers) will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27

Lastly, no matter where we are on God’s timeline, we should stand tall with our focus on God because we know he will release us from all the pain and loss of this present world and bring us into his perfect kingdom. We mustn’t be distracted by temporary escape or weighed down by care. We must be alert and pray so we can live above the circumstances and be standing tall when Jesus returns.

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption/ransom/release is drawing near. . . Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. . . Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:28,33-36

PS. If you would, please pray for our sweet, young couple during these next hard months of separation. Thank you.