This year started off with a bang and it hasn't stopped. Egypt in chaos, possibly lost to the "Muslim Brotherhood", other riots in various mid-east countries. A broad day light assassination attempt of a congresswoman by a crazed (some have postulated demon possessed man) man, resulting in the death and injury of several innocent including a child. The U.N., NATO, The U.S. and Lybian rebels launching attacks against the dictators regime in the country. Like I said an interesting year so far.
And the last week or so has certainly has not left us with any lack of excitement and chaos. We got everything started off with President Obama trying to give Israel to Hamas, next we had a predicted "Rapture" that wasn't and to top it all we here in the mid-west were hit with the deadliest tornadoes in more than a half century. I could do probably several pages on each of these, but I will try to keep this short(ish).
First thing I want to comment on is a speech by our seemingly useless excuse for a President or at least part of his speech, the part where he suggested that Israel return the pre - 1967 war borders , giving the rest back to Palestine. This is a huge betrayal. Israel has been our ally and only stable presence in the mid - east for years. This is near political suicide for the President as both the House and Senate has turned on him. As well spiritually unhealthy , in Genesis 12, 1-3 God tells Israel I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you.
Which do you think this is?
This is not a good situation and we need to let the People of Israel know that this is essentially the act of one man and not the act of the whole country and you can do that here.
The Second thing I want to Comment on is the "Rapture" that wasn't. The is what Christians call the event where all those who are saved are taken to heaven before (or at some point during the early part of ) the "Tribulation" that occurs before the second coming of Christ. Well a recently a pastor, who now has put himself in the ranks of false prophets, predicted that the rapture will occur on May 21 2011 at 6:59pm et. This didn't happen. The problem with this like the other times this has happened. It is has effected peoples lives, devastated some I'm sure as I've heard stories of people investing their lives saving and quitting jobs due to this mans prediction. Not to mention this has given massive ammunition to those who make a point to attack Christianity at every turn. As well this is just another divide in an already fractured church.
The people who have been involved with this man do not need the ridicule of other believers. I saw a lot of it before May 21. The Church need to be there for these people as they are claiming to be believers as well. Unfortunately this isn't stopping on May 21 this man has come out and said he miss calculated and has updated his prediction for Oct 21. This is very sad and these people need our prayers and encouragement to overcome these false teachings.
Finally most recently and closest to home for me on Sunday May 22 and EF5 tornado tore a half-mile wide and 6 mile long path of destruction through Joplin Mo. As of today the death toll has reached 125 with over 200 missing. Like I said one of the most destructive tornadoes in the last 50 or so years. It all but destroyed the hospital and the school. It did destroy businesses, houses, apartment complexes all in less than an hour. The stories of tragedy and heroism has made national news. At the very least these people need our prayers and support
I would have to say that this is ,at least, a time of reflection. A time to look at every thing around us as I think we can see through all this how fast the things of this world can be changed, ended and snatched away with little or no warning and with seeming little reason. This is a chaotic time and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I know the "Rapture" didn't happen on May 21 but it could happen any time. The Bible says no one knows the time, not the Angels, not the Son, none but the Father, as well in the Book of Acts it's not for us to know till it happens.
So I must ask now...if the "Rapture" happens tonight or if a Tornado drops on your house do you your fate? Will you be left behind? If you died tonight would you go to heaven? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
