Dear Church of the Open Bible,
The war between Israel and Gaza has been devastating. Technology has allowed us a much closer seat from which to view the reality of war and human depravity than in previous decades. But as believers, this particular conflict bears the additional concern of whether this is a sign of the end. The Bible tells us that Jerusalem will be at the centre of events when Christ returns so it is natural for us to ask questions these days. As you do, let me offer you a concern and an encouragement.
Firstly, my concern is that we resist reading our current news feeds back into the Bible. Instead of attempting to find correlation between details and dates, be reminded of God’s purposes in His Word. He does not give us biblical signs as a puzzle to be discovered but as a plan to be trusted. Jesus’ return is imminent but no one knows the day or the hour (Matt. 24:36). The fact that other end times signs have been fulfilled multiple times (earthquakes, natural disasters, claims to be Christ, persecution, etc.) should give us historical humility today.
Secondly, be encouraged to live in light of Jesus’ return and certain victory. Allow these current events to wake you up to the reality that Jesus is coming back and to live like it. This is the purpose of God revealing these signs in His Word. After describing what the Day of the Lord will be like, Peter asks his readers the pressing question, “...what sort of people ought you to be…” (1 Peter 3:11). This important movement from the prophetic to the practical is found in even Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 24. After describing signs surrounding the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus asks this important question:
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he comes.” - Matthew 24:45-46
The faithful and wise servant is not the one who has all the details figured out. The faithful and wise servant is the one continuing to do what the master commanded him to do. As we trust God to fulfill His plans, He calls us to be faithful to the work He has entrusted to us. And that work is to make disciples by living out the gospel. Be encouraged! Pray for the Lord to come quickly and pray for faithfulness until He does.