Living in the Last Days - From His Heart - Week of August 25, 2016

The events in Charlottesville, VA have caused a firestorm of unrest in America.  Racism and bigotry seem to be at the forefront of the issues plaguing us today.  What can be done to bring healing to a fractured, divided states? 
 
First of all, racism needs to be called out for what it is---pure evil!  No race is better than another.  We are all created equal before God.  Jews aren't better than Gentiles, and Gentiles aren't better than Jews.  Whites aren't better than blacks, and blacks aren't better than whites.  As the song says, "Red and yellow, black and white, we're all precious in His sight."  The ground is completely level at the foot of the cross!         
 
Secondly, Christians need to remember that this world is not our home.  Our citizenship is in heaven!  We may reside in America (or whatever country), but if we know Jesus, we are citizens of His Kingdom!  To be sure, we are twice-born men, living in a world of once-born men.  Our only business on this planet is to be a witness for Jesus Christ.  While I love and pray for my country, I do not get my security from my country.  My security comes from the Lord!  I am anxiously awaiting His soon return! 
 
Thirdly, the Lord told us it would get rough in the last days.  Paul told Timothy, "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3).  Any good soldier knows that battle is brutal.  God has not called us to a day at the beach.  He has called us to stand firm in the trenches and be salt and light in a dark and decaying world. 
 
In the last days, those who speak up for Jesus and His Word will be mocked and mistreated.  It has always been this way for those who speak the truth in love to a world that does not want to hear the truth.  Before Judah fell to the Babylonians, the Scripture tells us,

"And the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His   prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy" (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).    

Lastly, we must remain faithful.  In times of turmoil, it is easy to want to turn tail and run.  Don't leave your post!  Regardless of what may befall believers in these last days, our job is to remain faithful to the Lord.  Jesus said, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).   
 
The Lord is coming soon.  The signs of His return are all around us.  When the going gets tough, remember to "look up, and lift up your head; for your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).  

P.S.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this.  Direct questions and comments to pastorjeff@fromhisheart.org.