There still is good news despite the increasing chaos, devastation, and uncertainty. The scope of these conditions extends across the world, right down to our personal lives.
To the follower of Christ, it is no surprise that humanity seems to go from one crisis to another, despite incredible advances in knowledge, science, and technology that promised a better life.
Marks of the Fall
The intense crisis in Eurasia, centred in Ukraine, seems to illustrate just how destructive evil can be as people carry out the Adversary’s agenda to kill, steal and destroy.
The Bible exposes the root of the problem and names it the fall. With Adam and Eve’s rebellion, sin entered the heart of humanity, severing the relationship that existed with God. The whole of creation suffers the consequences to this day. No matter how hard man may try to make things better, evidence of the broken relationship abound all around us. Even inventions that can be of great benefit are quickly turned into weapons. The news media document this all the time.
We groan, yet with hope
The apostle Paul often used the word “groan” to describe the emotional suffering that people carry as they experience the brokenness resulting from the fall. We who believe, groan inwardly in this world and wait eagerly for the fulfillment of the promise — the redemption of our bodies and life everlasting in God’s new world. All this is coming because of what Christ has done to reconcile us to God.
While in this life, we groan and long to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling (2 Corinthians 5:2) and we remember that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (Romans 8:2)
In Psalm 6:6, while in a dark and difficult time, David wrote, “I am worn from groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.” How many of us can relate to these words!
As we turn to God in fervent prayer, our groaning is not in vain. Did He not listen to the groaning of His people who were oppressed? Did He not intervene and deliver them? Even in the midst of our groaning and a world of devastating circumstances, He is with us, right where we are on planet earth, and He will be with us until we go to be with Him.
Our Hope is Jesus
Today we look back at the first coming of Jesus and give thanks to God. He is the only solution to the brokenness of humanity. His virgin birth, life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension open the way to reconciliation and a restored relationship with God that will never end.
Everyone must hear of the love of God in Christ on the cross. Let’s tell them now.
We used to sing it often: “Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath bro’t me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” To those who trust Him fully in this life, Jesus promises an eternal home without pain, worry, sorrow or strife. Therefore, as Paul wrote, we do not lose heart, no matter what we go through, and we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
In this chaotic world, we have a high and holy calling to be Christ’s ambassadors, sent with a message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
As long as we remain in this groaning world, let us journey in His enduring hope, for the promise far outweighs our suffering. (Romans 8:18)
Let us remember that:
- We have been reconciled to God through Christ.
- We have been given a ministry of reconciliation.
- We are ambassadors of Christ and his kingdom.
- We have the message of reconciliation to tell everyone possible, everywhere possible.
No matter what happens here, we know that the very best is yet to come to the glory of God.
“…we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16