Dear Reader
“And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end is not immediately” (Luke 21:9)
It is not surprising to us believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Holy Scriptures that all the hopes and talks about ending all wars that have been raging over the past few years in almost every corner of the world have evaporated.
The Middle East is a simmering pot that threatens constantly to boil over. The whole region is in chaos, with many different nations getting involved. In addition, there are many other “hot spots” in the world, sparked by the nationalism of various ethnic groups or disputes over certain pieces of territory. We see indeed “the sea and the waves roaring” (Luke 21:25), although we realize that the full-blown manifestation of this awaits a time after the church is called home. [The sea in Scripture generally typifies the nations of the world in restless motion.] The complexity of modern warfare, combined with the ability of terrorists to wreak havoc in almost any part of the world, has quite naturally left many wondering if there are any safe places left in the world.
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know “deep down inside” that God’s purposes will be fulfilled, no matter what the plans and movements of man. God’s counsels were made in a past eternity, and nothing in time that man does can change them. They have always been fulfilled perfectly in the past, and prophecies for the future in the Word of God have always been accomplished according to God’s time. However, in the uncertain and chaotic world of today it may happen that even believers find that their hearts are “failing them for fear,” as they are “looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26).
And there is certainly plenty, humanly speaking, about which to be concerned.
Therefore, let us take head to the words of the Scriptures.
“And…knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now, is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:11–14)
It is our prayer that the Lord will use Toward the Mark to help you to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him. Please visit our website for the previous articles. Please keep praying for the Lord’s blessing on Toward the Mark.
Yours in our soon-coming Lord,
Emil S. Nashed
Please send your questions and comments to:
Toward The Mark
c/o Wayne Christian Assembly
60 Smith Lane
Wayne, NJ 07470-5354
Attention: Emil S. Nashed
www.towardthemark.org
