The ‘Doomsday Clock’ has recently been moved to 100 seconds to midnight. This clock, which is designed to warn the public about how close we are to destroying the world with dangerous technologies of our own making, is the closest to midnight it’s been since creation in 1947 as the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board aim to raise awareness of existential dangers threatening humanity. Their statement explains: “Humanity continues to face two simultaneous existential dangers—nuclear war and climate change—that are compounded by a threat multiplier, cyber-enabled information warfare, that undercuts society’s ability to respond. The international security situation is dire, not just because these threats exist, but because world leaders have allowed the international political infrastructure for managing them to erode.”
This move can hardly be a surprise as our news channels show constant unrest and reports of situations that could quickly escalate out of control. Take the latest news of the coronavirus in China, while China is in lockdown there are already reports of cases in other countries and increased risk of this spreading globally.
Of course, there have been other viruses in recent years that have gained attention but never turned into a global pandemic. It remains to be seen if the coronavirus will be another one for the list but there are other reasons the Doomsday Clock has moved nearer to midnight that include political conflicts involving nuclear weapons, the unrest over climate change, and the increase in cyber-based disinformation.
There are certainly reasons to be alarmed at the increase of events we see in the world around us and the possibility of a single catastrophic event having a global impact is now a genuine reality. As the signs of the end times increase, our reaction is key. It is easy to allow a sense of panic and hysteria creep in, but for those that know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, these events should only draw us closer to him. The knowledge that Jesus must be on his way soon should provide real peace and reassurance in a world that seemly has the opposite. How will you react? Will you trust in human intervention to keep these increasing threats at bay or will this cause you to place your trust in the coming King?!
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
What a great day the day of our Lord’s return sill be!