Breaking News!

 

 Breaking News! “70 die and over 300 Displaced in the Recent Earthquake that Rocked City X; 

Forest Fire Outbreak in City Y has left over 4000 Homeless as Fire-fighters Continue to Battle the Fire; Another Car bomb Has Gone Off This Morning Bringing it to a Total of 8 This Month; Flood has Displaced Many and Destroyed Properties Worth Millions After Rain Poured for Over 18 Hours in City Z” and the list goes on and on. News these days are about disaster, tragedy, poverty, war, crime, corruption and things like such. Nature itself is in a constant state of upheaval, with earthquakes, famine, killer storms and hazardous whether and climatic conditions around the world. It was not always this way.

When God made the world, it was good. The world was a sanctuary in which every part of God’s perfect creation pointed to a perfect creator. However, sin devastated the world and distorted God’s design. While we can recognise God’s handiwork in creation, this world’s glory is far from what it once was or what it ought to be.

Despite all these, there is one hope that we have – “He will make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). We will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that God planned for us from the beginning. Thus, we should join every creation in this cry as we grieve over the sinfulness of this present world and express a desire for Christ’s soon return.

Like a pregnant woman, all around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. However, it is not only around us; it is within us as well. We are also feeling the birth pangs. The pain is bearable because we know this temporary sorrow will soon give way to a joy and eternal life. At His appointed time, God will create a new heaven and earth and we will live with Him forever.

What a privilege to be counted among the people from every race and nationality who will see God’s face and praise Him throughout eternity. The sorrows of this life will become distant and unimportant the moment we step into the Lord’s glorious presence.

Jesus’ redemptive work changes everything. Knowing Him gives us hope and a purpose beyond this life. Even when struggles and trials seem overwhelming, we can say with Job, “Still, I know that God lives--the One who gives me back my life-- and eventually he'll take his stand on earth” (Job 19:25). When life seems out of control, we should always remember God is in control. Our Redeemer has risen from the grave, victorious over sin and death.

If you have not accepted the free gift of salvation that is available through Jesus, now is the time. Begin a relationship with Him today and allow His redemptive work to transform your life.

If you already have a relationship with Christ, take time this week to thank Him for all He has done, doing and will do for you. Ask Him to help you live out your faith and share His message with others as you watch for His return.