June 11, 2020
Brothers and Sisters,
As I sit here at my computer this morning meditating and praying over all that is happening in our world, I must admit that I’m looking more and more forward to the day when we’ll all be out of this mess. We are definitely living in a fallen world. The Bible describes it as the “evil day” or “perilous times”. With all the violence and civil unrest among the inhabitants of our country, it is sad to see the reactions of so many.
Many of our national leaders are debating over what needs to be done to put down all this civil unrest and rioting that our country is going through right now. Actually, they’ve been debating many of these same issues my whole life. Having been born in 1956 and being a little older than some of you, I grew up through the 1960’s and even though I was a youngster I can still remember some of the rioting that was taking place in those days.
What is the answer to all of this pandemonium? I believe the answer is JESUS! I believe that He is the answer for all that is happening in the world today. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe many of these issues that are causing the civil unrest of our day will be solved until Jesus’ second advent.
What is meant by Jesus’ second advent? Well, we know that Jesus came the first time to “seek and to save that which was lost”. We also know that Jesus will return any day soon to call His bride (the church) out of this world (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jesus’ second advent will be 7 years later (after the completion of Daniel’s 70th week in prophecy which we call the tribulation period) when He returns to this earth to establish His kingdom. This will be the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will come in power and great glory and will have the name “King of kings and Lord of lords”. (Revelation 19:16) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
God sent us word through the prophet Jeremiah hundreds of years ago letting us know that when this time comes, Jesus will execute judgment and justice in the earth. (Jeremiah 23:5) Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Isaiah 90:7 gives us further confirmation about this kingdom that King Jesus will rule over once He returns. (Isaiah 9:7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
When Jesus establishes His kingdom upon the throne of David, He will establish it with judgment and with justice and His judgment will be righteous. Once this takes place, there will be a peace upon this earth like has never been seen before. There will be no more rioting in the streets and people will be at perfect peace and safety. Then will be brought to pass the message delivered to the shepherds by the angels at His birth, “Peace on earth, good will toward men”.
Let me encourage you this morning to try and not get too discouraged over the current events of our day and keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. There is coming a day when He will set all things in order.
Bro. Rick
