Rumors of Wars

This morning, NBC had a troubling piece of news that Iran, even the Ayatolla himself were planning to attack the U.S. homeland.  No one wants war with Iran, but I find it interesting how quick the media throws down stories just to keep the hype going.  My reaction to this news was to remember a t-shirt that I saw when I had the privilege of visiting Israel back in 1998.  Here it is:

I know that the mighty F-16 is built in Ft. Worth.  This t-shirt reminds me that there is always more info to rumors of wars.  Here's what Jesus said about war rumors:

Matthew 24:5–14 (ESV)

5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

The future of the world is dependent on one thing.  The mercy of God.  Peter clearly made this point in his epistles to the whole church scattered all over the ancient world at the close of the first century.

2 Peter 3:8–13 (ESV)

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 

The return of Jesus is a certainty.  He is coming back in power! Oh Hail the Blessed Hour!  I notice that verses 11-12 tell believers what to do:

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 

The viewpoint of the Church is summed up in verse 13.  May the Lord bless you as you reflect on the real and living hope of Christ's imminent return.

13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.