Saturday Story Time – Jimbob and Wars and Rumor of Wars

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains…14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:6-8,14 NIV

Like David in the Bible, I can now say that “I was young and now I am old.” I’ve been a follower of Jesus for over 50 years. I got saved in a country Baptist church when I was 8 during the same season as the Jesus Revolution in the 1970’s. 

In that time, on the heels of the Vietnam War ending, there was an anticipation that Jesus was coming back soon. Singer songwriter Larry Norman, wrote “Life was filled with guns and wars and everyone was trampled on the floor. I wish we’d all been ready.” Even Jesus indicated that His return will be so sudden that it will be like a surprise.

Today is not a Bible Study to explain all of the aspects of Jesus’ return…many books and opinions have been written.  Rather, I just wanted to focus on several points that Jesus made in Matthew 24 to help us keep the proper focus.

• Jesus did say that He will return to gather His followers. Only the Father knows the exact day and time, but He told us to be ready.
• Deception will be prominent. Some will claim to be the messiah and many will follow that person. With the influence of AI now upon us…TRUTH – JESUS – will easily be sidelined. Our hope is in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into all truth. You need to learn how to listen to His promptings so that you may walk in His steps. Do you know the voice of the Spirit?
• We are encouraged to be at peace in all of the conflict. “Don’t be alarmed. The beginning of birth pangs.” Why people want to kill Christians doesn’t make sense. But Jesus said that we who follow Him will be hated, persecuted, and killed. I encourage you to subscribe to a magazine called “Voice of the Martyrs” to see what is happening right now, in this day and age all over the world. Christians are being killed for their faith in Jesus.
• What is most important? Stay focused on sharing the good news about Jesus. During all of the wars, famine, persecutions and turmoil – preach (be a witness) of the love and life Jesus offers. We do this for ALL peoples of the world.
  • We are  close to having the Bible translated in all languages. With collaboration and  computer tools, Bible translation is accelerating at an incredible pace.  Investing in these efforts is one way to engage in spreading the gospel.
  • Boldness to be a witness for Jesus. Pray every day for the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 to be true for your life. It is both show and tell time. We need to live like followers of the way of Jesus and we need to speak. How will they believe unless they hear? How will they hear unless one is sent? May we each raise both hands and declare, “Here am I, Send me!”

We are closer to the return of Jesus than we have ever been. I’ve witnessed young men turning their hearts toward the Lord with whole hearted enthusiasm. Righteousness and wickedness are both on the rise. Now is the time to keep telling people about the good news of Jesus. They really don’t know the full extent of His love unless we tell them.

My new mantra comes from the Car Wax Guy – Barry Mequire who is a follower of Jesus- “Move everybody, everyday, closer to Jesus”.  Smile, and tell them “Jesus loves you.” You might even have an opportunity to explain how.

Blessings Love y’all