Time, as we now perceive it, is very short. Who would have guessed before September 11, 2001, that the world would now be filled with terrorism on a scale never before imagined. Terrorism was always 'their' problem; it would never happen in America. For some, their safety, security, their very faith was shaken on that fateful day...well, for some it was shaken.

But, for those of us who have Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we knew such tragic events were eventually going to occur, and then increase to a global scale. We didn't have to rely on spy satellites, covert operatives, or the latest in surveillance technology. The only thing that provided us with warning was God's Word in the Holy Bible. Jesus said that His return would be preceded by events that were similar to those in Noah's day:

"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." ( Matthew 24:37 )

But Noah lived over 4000 years ago. How could today's world be associated with that time period? Again, the Bible tells us:

"And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." ( Genesis 6:13 )

Just as God told Noah, Jesus tells us that the world will be filled with violence just before His return. Never before have so many nations of the world had at their disposal, or are in the process of gaining or developing, such weapons of mass destruction. A nuclear device can now be placed in a suitcase, and detonated in a metropolitan area. Missiles can now be loaded with bio-weapons such as anthrax, and launched at an unsuspecting population.

For many, the anxiety at the thought of such weaponry, and the tense relations between the nations of the world is cause for mass panic. But for the believer in Jesus, it is a sign that His coming is near. Jesus tells those who trust in Him:

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." ( Luke 12:32 )

We are not to worry about what we would eat, or drink, or the conditions in the world, for the Lord provides for and protects those who believe in Him. If one receives Him as Lord and Savior, devotes their life to Him, and witnesses to others as He told us to, we will have joy that only He can provide in these fearful times. As a Christian, we can know that there is a better place waiting for us...a kingdom that God Himself is going to give us.

So, do not be discouraged when you watch the news and see such terrible things taking place in the world. He told us it would be this way just before He returns for us. Look up, and watch, for our Lord and Savior Jesus is about receive us!

Keith

12-26-2002