In addressing the facts of expanding Islamic radicalization; intensifying terrorist activity; escalating nuclear threat, and explosiveness of various world situations, Mortimer Zuckerman of U.S. News and World Report recently quoted former Secretary of State George Shultz as having observed that, "If we put this in terms of World War II, we are now sometime around 1937" (referring, of course, to that conflict's having begun in 1939).
It is not always easy to remain objective in relation to realities of the present. As those of faith, it is easy at times to become victimized by an imbalance of extremes. For some this takes form in a sense of uncertain, even fearful, urgency as to where things may all lead. Some years ago we were called to a home in which the husband had become so stressed over the threat of Russia and Marxist communism that his wife was considering leaving in the interests of securing a little quiet and peace of mind. An extreme case? Obviously, but it underscores the degree to which individuals, believers included, can become controlled by circumstance or even threat of circumstance. We also recall a lady who advised us that while persecution of the Church might indeed surface at some future point in time, "It will never happen in my lifetime."
To the former, Jesus would exhort: "See that you are not alarmed" - to which he subsequently adds, "He that shall endure to the end shall be delivered" (Matt. 24:6,13). To those of a latter mindset, our Lord would likely reiterate his Discourse warning as to the perils of an undiscerning lack of awareness. In Noah's day, "they knew not until the flood came," (vs. 39).
Faith's answer? While seeking both to recognize and oppose current negative realities, the fact remains that neither fear nor obliviousness will provide the ultimate answer. Jesus puts it in these words: "When you see these things begin to take place, lift up your heads and rejoice, for your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28). In the meantime, "Occupy until I come" (Luke 19:13).
Are present times of prophetic significance? Quite possibly so. But, to appropriate a now largely bygone idiom of the "Jesus People" era: "Keep the faith, baby!"
God will see us through.
Burl Ratzsch
