[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]
A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3 v8 [NIVUK]
It would surely be difficult to write a meaningful reflection this week without referring to recent events in the Middle East. The outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas took many people by surprise, not least the Israeli security forces who were, reportedly, enjoying the national holiday rather more than they should have been.
Many people have been asking, “Is this the beginning of the end times?” One surprising aspect of this is the number of people who have some concept of an ‘End Times’ although they may have no idea of what it might involve. How do those who have no familiarity with the Biblical passages about the end times even conceive of such a possibility?
In response to this question, social media is awash with prophets, preachers and speculators trying to argue one way or the other. Are their assertions convincing? Do we endorse those who agree with our own thoughts and dismiss those who have other ideas?
Do we have reason to be fearful about the future? For most of us, the wars in the Middle East and eastern Europe are at what seems to be a safe distance. Yet we have already seen how these conflicts can invoke reactions on a global scale and even on our own streets there are those who want to take action supporting one side or another. Remember the words that Jesus spoke:
When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Luke 21 v9 [NIVUK]
Do these words mean imply that there is worse to come? Certainly when we read the visionary writings such as those of Daniel and John we have good reason to think so. How can we keep from being fearful? The prophet Isaiah, who saw his own share of trouble during his lifetime, wrote these words:
You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Isaiah 26 v3 [GNT]
In our opening verse the writer of Ecclesiastes suggested that there is an appropriate time to hate and to go to war. By contrast, a New Testament writer argues otherwise:
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3 v17-18 [NLT]
Give peace in our time, O Lord.[1]
Resources:
[1] Morning Prayer from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
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Last week’s reflection: Batting for Christ
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Steve Remember our missionaries especially Chris and Lisa Wright and their 2 boys in North Africa.
Thank you, Steve.