Greetings in the name of the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus. What a turbulent time we live in today. Peace seems to be something that eludes many of us. Certainly, it escapes the political and social realms of our society here in America and many other parts of the world.
The recent upheaval in Charlottesville, Virginia is a fine example of that. Political and racial tensions reached a new level in this relatively quiet Virginia city.
I grew up less than an hour from this town, and I’m very familiar with its history and quaintness. Such events are no surprise to me because Jesus prophesied their forthcoming:
“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diver’s places.” Matthew 24:7
The word “nation” in the Greek is ethnos and literally means “race.” If you are not already aware, let me be first to tell you there is but one race, and that is the human race. Within that race are many variations of people with a wide array of histories, philosophies, and traditions.
I will not attempt to claim that I understand everything people have faced in their past, and I do not know who could, truthfully. The Scripture says that no one can know another man’s spirit (I Cor. 2:11). Therefore, how could we ever know the spirit of men who have been gone before us, and to whom we have never spoken? As the expression goes, hindsight is 20/20, so while we might recognize the mistakes of societies in history, we cannot judge the hearts of the individuals involved. Those were different times.
There are evil or wicked events happening in our society today that is widely accepted. Sodomy, adultery, murder (abortion), lying, and yes, slavery still (in many fashions), all readily accepted by our society and seen on the television and the Internet. Yet, there is no great upset or violence over these events.
Slavery has always been wrong, but it was accepted as normal life for thousands of years. Israel was enslaved and ruled over by Egypt and other nations. As a result, this part of the world has been left in a state of upheaval for centuries. The views of many people are molded by their history, or more so, the experiences of their ancestors.
Jesus said to him,“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
This is why the Christian “Way” is so important. It allows a person to release all their past wrongs through forgiveness. (The trespasses against them and their trespasses against others.) Truly experiencing Christ Jesus, all things become new and old things pass away. The old things will not have authority over you unless you dig them back up and focus on them.
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11
It’s foolish and unfruitful to look back and focus on vile things in your life or ancestry. Know they are there so as not to repeat, but realize and reflect on the God of love that delivered you from them all. Give praise to God instead of holding grudges and judgment in your heart. Great men have done evil things. King David, a man that chased after the heart and will of God, was an adulterer and murder. However, we esteem and memorialize him for the good he did and not the mistakes he made, for which he repented.
There may be some men we can look back on and see evil personified within them; however, Jesus is merciful—FULL of mercy—even to the last breath of someone’s life. He welcomes the most wretched sinners in the blink of an eye if they will only repent and accept Him in their hearts.
In the meantime, we will see the Scripture fulfilled, the darkness of the wicked one and the ones he deceives. Remember, don’t think too highly of yourselves for even the very chosen ones of God can be drawn into such deception (Matt. 24:24; Rom. 12:3). Our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are more important now than any other time on earth. Walking in the light and understanding of His Word and Spirit keeps us from deception. Understanding only will not cut it! You must get on and walk the Highway of Holiness, which is our escape route through these perilous times!
If you are not a financial supporter, think about being one. The smallest of monthly gifts can cause some of the biggest effects in the Kingdom of God. Your prayers are greatly needed too, so please continue to mention us in yours, as we do you in ours.
We call you blessed, healed, and whole in Jesus’ name! Until next time, remember, Jesus is coming soon!
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