Align yourself and overcome!

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Looking at current world events, one is faced with the question of what to fear more: the wars and unrest that prevail in the world, or the increasing godlessness that is spreading more and more in our society and often leaves us speechless.

False carelessness

The signs of the times are unmistakable. No Christian can doubt that we are living in the end times. Today we are witnessing how society—I would call it the "last generation"—is outdoing itself in godlessness. Everything that once held meaning, esteem, and respect, be it cultural treasures, sacred sites, etc., is being defiled, defaced, and insulted. Nothing is sacred anymore; no one will stop at nothing.

The latest escalation of blasphemy occurred at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris: the performance of the "Last Supper" by drag performers, entirely in keeping with transgender ideology. What a mockery of Christian values and derision of one of Christianity's most sacred moments! Other scenes included a rider clad in metallic paint on a pale horse, supposedly representing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation. These and other events, in which Christianity is blasphemed and occult practices and diabolical symbols are publicly displayed, are on the rise and are having a profound impact on people.

The description in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 of the decline of piety in the end times fits the majority of today's society perfectly. "But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, enemies of the good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They have a form of godliness but deny its power. Keep away from such people."

But how do we react to this? While we see all this, many Christians are still cozying up to the world. Interest in such large sporting events and other "worldly" things is increasing, even in Christian circles. People want to "participate," even if they disapprove of what's happening. Yet the Word of God clearly says: "Turn away from such people!" In James 4:4b we find clear words: "Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God!"

How important it is that we, as followers of Christ, distance ourselves decisively from the world and its ideology today more than ever. Because the world does not honor God, it has given itself over to shameful passions and a perverse mind. This perverse mindset is portrayed in society under the "star of good." With values like "love for all," tolerance, and acceptance, evil is labeled as good.

When Jesus was sitting with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, they asked him what the signs of his Second Coming and the end of the world would be. Jesus' first words in reply were: "Be careful that no one deceives you!"

Overcoming challenges is always necessary, required, and possible!

Don't be alarmed, because this has to happen first!

We tend to think and react very situationally to certain major events. What do I mean by that? Let's take one of the most recent horrific events as an example: the outbreak of war in Ukraine. We are all – myself included – deeply shaken by it, and it is horrific what is happening there every day, how much innocent blood is being shed, and how much suffering is being caused.

Such situations affect us all. Many of us have opened our hearts, wallets, and homes during this time to help those suffering. This is also the only right response, and we demonstrate our love for God by showing love to our neighbors. However, if we consider this war in the context of all world events, it is unfortunately only one of many upheavals. It would be wrong to conclude from this that all things are no longer worthwhile (such as marriage, building a house, planting a church, etc.).

But this is precisely what often happens in our thinking and sometimes in our actions: we are paralyzed by such events, reacting impulsively and jumping to conclusions. But what is the right response? Here, in addition to the aspect of helping others already mentioned, an objective consideration within the context of God's Word is helpful. We read in Luke 21:9: "When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be alarmed, for these things must happen first, but the end is not yet."

Jesus announces hard times and gives us a crucial piece of advice: Do not be afraid!

Jesus wants to prepare us so that we are not too surprised. There are two possible deceptions that threaten us. Some say, "It's not so bad," and lull us into a false sense of security. Others, as just described, see only catastrophe and decline and say, "The time is near." To this, Jesus says, "Be careful that you are not deceived" (Luke 21:8). "Do not follow them!" This refers precisely to our thoughts and actions. The Lord Jesus does not want to see an "overreaction" to an event, hasty "false conclusions," or panic in us, but rather patience and trust in God, as it says in Luke 21:19 after the listing of further end-time events: "By your perseverance you will gain your souls."

The Apostle Paul also urges the brothers in Thessalonica not to be misled regarding the return of the Lord Jesus. We read in 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3: “Do not be quickly shaken in your understanding or alarmed by a spirit or a word or a letter supposedly from us, as though the day of Christ had already come. Let no one deceive you in any way, for that is when the rebellion must come first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”

Even today, many letters, messages, and videos with highly speculative content are circulated. The digital dissemination of various revelations, sermons, and other such material spreads much fear, just as it did in Paul's time. However, the Word of God admonishes us, with regard to the return of the Lord Jesus, to sanctify ourselves completely and to be kept blameless in our whole being—spirit, soul, and body (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:22).

We see that the focus here should be on a holy way of life, not on the events of the time! Remember, you can be wrong in your interpretation of all events. A holy, God-pleasing way of life is the right one!

Many terrible things are happening and will happen before the coming of Jesus. I still vividly remember our pastor's words in connection with the 2015 refugee crisis: "This doesn't happen without God." Even if we see and suspect political, economic, and other machinations behind certain events, one thing is especially important for us as children of God to know: God holds all the strings! He is in control! Don't forget that! "For this must happen first."

He hasn't promised us a carefree life, but he has promised to always be with us! He will give us the wisdom we need and the right word at the right time. He will guide us through all these things and prepare us for eternity. Let us trust in Him and His word. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

The word is certainly true and applies both to you personally, who live at this time, and to events in this world that occur so that Scripture may be fulfilled. They are signs of the return of our Lord.

The right perspective

“When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). This verse is sometimes used mockingly in the world. But we, children of God, may understand it exactly as it is written and take comfort in it: “Redemption is drawing near.”

Of course, we also need the right perspective. The orientation of our hearts, of our will, must be directed upwards, towards the heavens. Only then will this verse truly be a comfort to us. Currently, due to our prosperity and comfortable circumstances, we are often distracted and don't want any change because things are going so well for us.

I think we should above all be thankful for the time the Lord gives us. Furthermore, we must ensure that we live our lives in holiness and reverence for God and remain unstained by the world. We can then confidently entrust our worries about the future to our Lord. Change your perspective. Instead of looking "down" at the threats and terrible events, look "up" at the author and perfecter of faith.

That should be your concern.

We have a mission! And the darker the world, the more we should shine. Paul instructs Timothy not to neglect his ministry in the church, which includes reading aloud, exhorting, teaching, and the gift of God's grace. "These are the things you should be concerned with, and live by them, so that your progress may be clearly seen by everyone" (1 Timothy 4:15).

I personally had a pivotal experience in prayer with the youth at the turn of the year, on December 31, 2022. It's not usually my style to ask so much about the future. But amidst the turmoil of the pandemic and war, it overwhelmed me. A question arose within me, and I posed it to the Lord: "Lord, what will happen? What awaits me?" At that moment, the Lord filled a vessel, and I received this revelation from the Lord: "Know that not everyone will be affected by this hardship. Know how to prepare the young people."

Further guidance followed, urging me to step deeper into the void and to act with fulfillment and devotion where the Lord had placed me. The answer could not have been clearer. I understood, even though the Lord hadn't told me what would or wouldn't affect me.

The Lord desires—and we can read this in His Word—that we be ready and active in the time God gives us. That should be our focus! How can I be more useful to the Lord? How can I win even more hearts for the Lord? How can I faithfully manage the resources entrusted to me?

We can observe precisely this attitude in the Apostle Paul. While the Holy Spirit testifies from city to city that chains and afflictions await him, he says in Acts 20:24: “But I consider none of these things; indeed, my life is of no value to me, for I will gladly finish my course and proclaim the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, the gospel of God’s grace.”

Dear friends, let us adopt this attitude of heart, that we encounter our Lord in service. This should be your concern! The Lord provides for your future! I personally see this as the key to reaching eternity. No, not through merit, for we are saved by grace, redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. But the danger is that we allow ourselves to be distracted by all sorts of things in this world. These can be both the worries and the pleasures of this world.

Who will be saved?

Therefore, I would like to confront us with this question: Who will be saved? “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26-27).

In Noah's day, eight souls were saved from the Flood. Although Noah, the preacher of righteousness (see 2 Peter 2:5), warned the people, they did not repent of their godless lives. God also caused the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to sink to rubble and ashes because of their godlessness and unrestrained lifestyle, while He rescued the righteous Lot.

These examples are both a comfort and a warning to us. The Apostle Peter describes it this way in his letter: “The Lord knows how to save the godly from temptation, but to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:9). Jesus says in his eschatological discourse in Matthew 24:22: “If those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.”

In Jesus' dialogue with his disciples after the incident with the rich young man (cf. Mt 19:16-26), the disciples ask in astonishment: "Then who can be saved?" (Mt 19:25). Jesus answers them: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26). Know this! God always has a way out and a solution ready for his people!

We realize that the question of salvation is a serious one. Even in Christian circles today, one mistakenly hears this question: “Can a child of God ever be lost?” A convenient Christianity is preached, an “easy salvation” that does not exist. Jesus warns emphatically: Many will appear to deceive even the elect. Do not believe them! The Apostles Paul and Barnabas strengthened the souls of the disciples in Antioch and exhorted them “to remain steadfast in the faith, telling them that we must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

Who will be saved? Jesus himself gives the answer in the midst of the announcement about the last days, as we read in Matthew 24:13: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

 

Beware! Overcoming obstacles is required!

In response to the disciples' question about the signs of His return and the end of the age, Jesus answers in all three Synoptic Gospels: “See that no one deceives you!” He begins with this sentence every time. While reading the letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, I noticed something. All seven churches receive a warning: “Whoever overcomes.”

For me, this means: Overcoming is always required, necessary, and possible! Be it in war, poverty, or prosperity. Whatever time and circumstances you live in: Overcome! Whoever overcomes will suffer no harm before their second death. Whoever overcomes will be clothed in white garments.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, let us not become lazy and weary. Do not love the world or anything in the world, but let us serve the Lord zealously, for “blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing such work when he comes” (Matthew 24:46). Let us meet the Lord in service!

There are many more hints and warnings in God's Word concerning the end times. Consider the parable of the ten virgins, the warning that love will grow cold in many due to increasing injustice, or many other passages in Revelation.

But I would like to refocus our attention on the words of our Lord Jesus: “When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). The Lord is coming soon! “And in that day they will say, ‘Behold, this is our God, in whom we trusted, that he would save us; this is the Lord, in whom we trusted; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation!’” (Isaiah 25:9).

Dear reader, let us fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith, on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has saved us from death. If your life is directed toward pleasing the Lord, if you serve Him, strive for a holy life, and look forward to His return, He will preserve you from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world! “Look, I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one may take your crown!” (Revelation 3:11).

Viktor Barleben

Municipality of Speyer