In discussing present world conditions, one frequently encounters those whose basic reactions range from essential indifference to states of mind something akin to the frantic. One need not go outside the realm of Christian profession to observe either extreme or all intermediate shades of response.
The discerning believer is not unmindful that in many ways present world trend bears signs of the ominous - nor of the fact that mankind's loss in Noah's day resulted to no small degree from lack of meaningful awareness regarding human behavior and ultimate accountability. Nor, indeed, did they know, "until the flood came..." (Matt. 24:37).
At the same time, believers are sometimes prone to so lose sight of God's sovereignty over the affairs of men as to become overwhelmed by apprehension and worried self endeavor. During the "Cold War" era, we were once called to a home in which the husband had become so overtaken by fear of a pending Communist takeover that he could eat, sleep or talk little else. Home life had degenerated into a situation so strained over the issue that his wife was considering separation.
Other examples could be cited. Indeed, one was not overly pressed at the time to find clergy much caught up in such cause. Jesus, however, had something to say concerning world circumstance and faith. The end of the age, he advised, would be characterized by a downward progression of violence, cataclysm, and apostasy - initiated with a "beginning of sorrows" and concluding with the threat of human annihilation (Matt. 24:8,22).
Interestingly, he continued, the valid Body of Christ will witness "all these things." Indeed, his remarks at this point were addressed to the Twelve personally as representing the believing Church (thus, "you" in vs. 33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:31, etc.).
What then of the believer in confronting both present and developing realities? "See that you be not troubled, for all these things must come to pass." While doing what we can, there are some things we will not change.
Faith's response? "He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be delivered" (vs. 13). As per the old song: "It will be worth it all."
Burl Ratzsch
