As we roll into the end of this difficult year my heart is heavy thinking about all that God’s people have suffered. Some have lost loved ones to Covid. Some have been diagnosed with cancer or are fighting serious physical issues. Some have had crushing experiences of anxiety and depression. Some have fallen back into old sins. People we know have overdosed. Many have scattered from the church.
It’s a strange time to pastor.
We used to see about 300 gather on Sundays and now see less than half of that number. The pandemic that has dragged on for almost two years has taken a toll that is hard to measure. The polarization amongst Christians in the last two years over politics and race issues has been so discouraging that many have given up on church. On top of all this we are constantly bombarded with news of tragedies, civil violence, global warming, the refugee crisis, economic instability, raging wildfires and destructive natural disasters. This world seems to be coming apart at the seams, and it’s downward spiral seems to be picking up speed.
Do you know the Bible actually predicts that things will get worse and worse before the end comes? We are on a sinking ship. All the cleverness and industry and wisdom of men have not been able to bring the world into harmony. Nobody can fix the evils of this earth. Read the last book of the Bible (Revelation). Things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
But—and this is a very big but—let’s not miss that the world in its present state is passing away. Jesus will make all things new. The day will come when Christ eradicates all evil from His creation. The world will be free of sickness and pain, sorrow and death. The glory of God will overwhelm all evil and cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. All that brings chaos to God’s children will be defeated. This is the hope burning in our hearts despite the sufferings of this present age.
… the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).
My friends, I know it’s not easy to do, but it’s so important that we set our minds on things above. We can’t allow ourselves to get enveloped in the drama and negativity of this present corrupt world we live in. The Bible says we are pilgrims and strangers here. This world is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven. I know it’s hard not to be swept up in the current of trying to find paradise on earth. But the world in its present state will always disappoint us. The only real joy in this world is Christ. He is our home, now and forever. Amen.
— Pastor Scott