Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Friday, October 17, 2014
Based Upon Luke 21:11
“And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”
When I consider the state of things as they are on this planet today, it draws from me an impassioned moan of anxiety. It does not bring an anxiety that is frenzied. It is one that cries to the Lord asking, “How long Lord?” How long will it be before He comes to sets all things back in order? How long will it be before the wickedness of this life becomes a distant memory? How long will it be before God’s character is fully vindicated and the devil completely vanquished? Although I know deep down inside that He is on His way, my heart aches as I wait.
The various diseases that have overwhelmed every society of the world, both civilized and uncivilized are cause for concern. Our Lord prophesied that in the last days, among other things, there would be pestilences. His prophecy has never been more clear than today. Epidemics cripple our healthcare industry. Drugs prescribed and mis-prescribed have no real effect on the diseases. Many have lost hope because of the effect that HIV, AIDS, cancer, SARS, Ebola, and many other diseases has had on their loved ones. When will it all end? When will the Lord say in His righteousness that it is enough? Diseases of the body, mind, and soul have gone out of control and the Lord is allowing it all to go so far and no further.
My only consolation is, knowing that the Lord loves us, and that He has all of this under control. He is wise, and abundant in mercy. He has not forgotten us. He will soon breach the clouds and put an end to all woes and evil. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9. “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37. Soon we will see the Lord coming in the clouds and we will say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9.
