The world is constantly changing and, as recent events in the Middle East show, things appear to be spiralling out of control. Demonic activity has always been at work but it is increasing and many non-Christians can see there are major problems in the world that seem to be pointing to some kind of climax. Satan knows time is short and that God keeps His promises – future prophecies will unfold according to God’s plan. As God continues to set the end time stage, is our focus on the cross?
Even though we can be easily distracted by our busy lives and the growing chaos in the world, our hearts can also be yearning for our Lord’s return. We know this will happen and it may be soon, but if the Lord tarries, our focus should remain the same – the cross is the endless reminder that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again! Each day the cross should be a reminder to focus on the truth of God’s love for us, so much so that He sent His Son to die a horrific death because of our sinful nature. The cross of Jesus Christ should be our focus:
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)
The world around us will continue to shock us and be shocked in continued confusion as it looks for answers in the wrong places. It will anger us but this has to happen because that’s part of God’s plan. We may not understand everything that happens so our focus and trust should always be on God as He never changes! The events in this world are out of our control so unless we are lead by the Holy Spirit in some way we should not be distracted by them. We are told not to be conformed to this world:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2, emphasis added)
Conforming to this world will likely lead us down a path that is not God’s will for us and this is not a path we want to be on! It will be a path that continues to distance us from God until any faith left is brushed aside by the priorities and seduction of the world.
God has a purpose for our lives and we can all choose whether we live true to that purpose. For some, it may be as a watchman, warning others of the looming prophecies, or it could be to reach out to some of our friends. Either way, keep focused on the cross of Calvary will help to concentrate our daily thoughts on Jesus and to be ready for guidance from the Holy Spirit. It’s all too easy with the daily grind to get lost in our own priorities, making decisions because they seem best at the time instead of seeking God’s will.
Jesus Christ’s return is close, it’s an exciting time but even more so it’s a testing time. Let our daily lives demonstrate readiness and anticipation for Jesus Christ’s return, humbling ourselves before the cross and looking to Him for the path to follow. Maranatha!
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