In times like These- by Pastor Sam Adeyemi

By Pastor Sam Adeyemi | Matthew 24: 1-8

Current events in different parts of the world give us cause for

concern: the raging war in Syria, the surprise takeover of a

major part of Iraq by a violent group, events in India and

Pakistan, the abduction of three teenagers in Israel and over

200 school girls in Nigeria, bomb attacks in Uganda, Kenya and

Nigeria. All these events have the tendency to create anxiety

so it is not unrealistic of us to desire a more peaceful situation.

There are many interpretations and opinions about these

events but is important to have a godly perspective. What does

God think? Many people heap the blame on the Church saying

that the members are not praying and preaching enough. They

wonder why corruption is increasing even as many churches

are springing up.

Over 2000 years ago, Jesus made some predictions; He

described what things would be like in latter times. Jesus said

there would be a lot of deception, some of which would come

from the Church. Many will claim to represent Christ even

though He is not the One who sent them (Matthew 24: 4-5;

11). He said there will be wars and rumours of wars. There will

also be famines, pestilences (outbreak of diseases) and

earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24: 6-7). Yet, Jesus

said these events mark the beginning of sorrows. There will

also be persecution of the Church because it is the pillar and

ground of truth. (Matthew 24:9). Even though Satan hates the

Church and has tried to pull it down, the Church is still

standing. Jesus also said there will be a lot of hatred,

bitterness and anger between family members, tribes and

nations (Matthew 24: 10). He also said that there will be an

overwhelming spread of evil (Matthew 24: 11 MSG). One word

to describe the above events is “crisis”.

With all these events, what position should a Christian take

(Isaiah 60:1)? It is impractical to expect that towards the end

of the age, as God is moving and affecting people’s lives,

Satan would lie down and play dead. He is also bringing up his

best inventions and unleashing them on earth. As God gives

mankind technology to leverage on, Satan also leverages on it.

Sexual immorality is on an explosive frequency. Human nature

prefers sin because it is sweet but the consequences are not

sweet. Satan tries to change the rules and calls them

antiquated. Therefore, to be properly positioned, each Christian

should be on guard against deception (Matthew 24: 4). This is

the time to read and search the Bible daily for yourself (Acts

17:11). There are many false doctrines going round. Next,

guard against anxiety and worry (Mathew 24:6). Instead, learn

to pray (Philippians 4:6-7). When you pray, God shows you His

perspective (Jeremiah 33:3). Also, you must have staying

power and hold on to God. There will be a lot of opportunities to compromise and give up (Matthew 24: 13-14). 

Finally, the crises coming in the world are going to produce opportunities for the Christian to share God’s Word. Human beings do not feel a need for God until they face crisis in their lives.

Leadership opportunities show up when people are confused (1

Chronicles 12:32). This is the time to project God’s saving message to our world.

source: daystarng