The Real Source to the Conflict
There is no simple way to bring this up, but it is all over the news and it’s something we as believers need to be ready to discuss. The invasion of Ukraine is another prime example of why we need Jesus Christ on the throne in Jerusalem! Many have already discussed the politics of how this has come to pass, and many have started to point the position of blame at different groups. However, I am yet to see a person point to the source of the real issue. The Russian/Ukraine conflict is an indicator of why there needs to be Jesus Christ sitting on the throne in our lives and in Jerusalem. And one day He will, just look at what the Angel Gabriel said to Marry about Jesus, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Luke 1:31-33.
Sin is a powerful thing, and without God in our lives, man will do wicked things. So, I would tell you to pray for the people in this conflict, pray for the leaders to find a peaceful resolution, and pray for God’s righteousness to shine.
“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Finally, I would call you to pray for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to come and take the Church away and proceed with the next stages of human history. There is still 7 years of Tribulation and then the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ which will have Jesus reigning in Jerusalem for a thousand years.
We should be praying for this! When asked by the disciples, Jesus even instructed them to pray for His kingdom! “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven” Luke 11:2. The final prayer in the Bible is Revelation 22:20 which is a prayer asking Jesus to come! “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
But finally, we should be acting on our faith. This has been abused by many so-called pastors and religious leaders today. Our faith needs to be a verb, where our actions proceed out and people know who we are based on God’s love that we show.
“What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:14-18.
It is no doubt that things will get worse before they get better, but for the believer this is our time to shine. This is when our “A” game needs to be at its best. Pray more, love more, and most of all seek the Lord in His Word more than ever before. Do not stop meeting together, but rather seek all the more to spend time in worship and prayer for this darkening world. I will leave you with this, let us be the description of what Jude says in verses 20-25, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
God has given us work to do, let us be about His business!
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL