OUR BEST HOPE

In Mathew 24, verses 21-22, Jesus is talking about the 'end times' and refers to the near future and far future events, as did the Old Testament prophets. Many of these persecutions have already occurred; more are yet to come. But God is in control and He will not forget His people. The Bible, despised today by so many, predicted long ago that mankind would come to the point where all life not merely could but would be destroyed. Yet, there is good news. As the world reaches the brink of utter destruction, God will intervene to stop the insanity. Many believe in God. Many believed that Jesus came to this earth as a human being, that He performed mighty miracles, that He was killed and that He was raised from the dead. For some reason it is easier to believe in something that happened two millennia ago, than it is to believe that the same Jesus will return, literally intervene in human affairs and rule on earth as King of kings. We had better hoped that He will because the way we are going, human destruction is not as remote as we would like to think!

Competing interests fight for the control of the city of Jerusalem - there is no peace in the "city of peace". The Bible tells us that it will change. "On that day, when all the nations are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who tried to move it will injure themselves." (Zechariah 12:3)

This is the good news Jesus proclaimed. It is the Gospel of the kingdom of God. The message of peace and prosperity. The reigning King will direct resources toward building rather than destroying. He will know to deal with ruthless dictators that oppress their neighbours and even their own people.

Not only is this our best hope for peace, it is our only hope!