As the year 2004 ended and 2005    began, the world suffered a series of catastrophes. Were they signs of Christ’s second coming? Were they evidence of God’s wrath, His judgement on mankind’s sin? Or were they simply the upheaval of natural forces?

Whatever our way of explaining terrible events, we need to see them from the long range viewpoint. Through the centuries such things have happened again and again. Not only that, but humans themselves have inflicted barbaric suffering and destruction on others.

Consider just one episode in the sweep of history, the fall of Rome in 455 ad, as described by a church leader: “Our citizens have given up believing in the future, especially those living in the poorest parts of the city. They have no work, little food and no opportunity to better their lives. In some quarters of the city, riots have broken out, but for the most part there is too much despair to riot. Surely Christ will hear our cries and come soon.”

Natural disasters and man’s inhumanity to man will continue unpredictably until Jesus returns. We long for that time when He comes again because He will make all things right.

As the world grows darker, the promised return of the Son grows brighter.

Author

vernon c. grounds

Topics

Our Daily Bread