So to open let me say.  This is largely an opinion piece.  I’m jumping out of Mark for this one because I feel it needs to be said.

Lately there have been disasters, calamities and wars plaguing the world as a whole.  I’ve heard people shouting stand with Ukraine and those against.  I’ve heard people yelling Russia is evil and others that say the opposite and that Ukraine is.  Yet others blame both.  The same is true with Israel and Gaza and Israel and Iran.  We had an India and Pakistan conflict.  Also the floods in Texas and numerous deadly tornadoes all across the US.   One of the most prevalent questions I keep hearing is…

How can God let this happen?

Well the good news is that the Bible tells us.  What you may not understand though is that the Bible’s answer is…

The Good News!  The Gospel! Jesus!

Let’s read.

Matthew 24:1-8 CSB
[1] As Jesus left and was going out of the temple, his disciples came up and called his attention to its buildings. [2] He replied to them, “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down.” [3] While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” [4] Jesus replied to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. [6] You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these events are the beginning of labor pains.

So Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple.  Later the disciples asked Jesus for more information.  His answer though is probably more than they were expecting.  Jesus starts out with a warning.

See that you’re not deceived.  They’re going to try.

Jesus then tells them how to respond.

Don’t be alarmed.  These things must happen. The end isn’t here yet.

Then Jesus list all of the things we’re seeing now.  Finishing up with this is just the beginning. I don’t need to go into the birth labor pain speech.  Most if not all of you understand labor pain is generally a lengthy event.

But wait THERE’S MORE!

Matthew 24:9-13 CSB
[9]  “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. [10] Then many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another. [11] Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. [12] Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. [13] But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Jesus then lays out the hard stuff.  They’re going to kill you.  Everyone is going to hate you.  Because of my name.  Christians are going to betray Christians.

Oh here we go.  False prophets are going to deceive many!  This is twice He’s said that.  Maybe we should listen.  People like Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Jessie Duplantis are leading people astray.  Oh! Wait did I say that out loud?  I’m not sorry!

I want you to get this next part.  Because lawlessness will MULTIPLY, the love of many will grow cold.  First we need to see that lawlessness has been held back.  There’s only one person that could do that.  Christ!  He held it back but he has to pull that safety blanket back to allow the plan to come to fruition.  The plan started pre Genesis 1:1 (ref. Ephesians 1:4).  Next I think He’s talking about our love for everyone but more importantly I know He’s talking about our love for HIM growing cold.  I know that because we’re seeing it right here in America the supposed Christian nation.  That distresses me greatly.  Then He lets us know the good news.

The one who endures will be saved.

Take aways.

Pit everything you hear against what the Bible says.  Don’t be deceived.  There is a lot of noise out there.  A lot of Chicken Littles screaming that…

THE SKY IS FALLING!

The Bible is our filter.  Use it to not be deceived.

Don’t worry.  Yeah, bad things happen.  They have to that the plan from the beginning of time will come to fruition.  It’s going to get hard.  There is no questioning that.  They hate us for His name.  The name of Jesus, not Trump, not Biden, not Palestine, Gaza, Iran or even Israel.

JESUS!

Endure in Christ.  Read His word.  Get to know Him.  Rest in Him.  The one who endures will be Saved!

Practical thoughts.

We do need to choose a side.  The side of Christ.  Pray to Him about all of this.  Pray for everyone involved.  We need Christ.  They need Christ.  Pray, share, pray more.

Matthew 5:44 CSB
[44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Colby?  I see how and why Jesus has to let bad things happen.  What is the right question?

All I can tell you is that my question revolves around my sinfulness in the light of His Holiness.  In that light I can’t ask.  How can He let this happen?

I’m completely sinfull.  I admit that freely.  I have to because it’s true.  I need Jesus.  He paid the sin wage I earned.

Romans 3:10-12 CSB
[10] as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one. [11]  There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. [12]  All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one.

Romans 6:23 CSB
[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

He is completely Holy!

Revelation 15:4 CSB
[4] Lord, who will not fear and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you because your righteous acts have been revealed.

Isaiah 6:3 CSB
[3] And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.

I could list verses all day declaring His Holiness.  Look in the Bible for more.  Please!

In light of my sinfulness compared to his Holiness.  The only question I can ask is…

How can He not, let bad things happen more?

The answer?

GRACE!

Love in Christ,

Colby