Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. - Luke 21:10-17
In our postmodern world, the church seems to be in a quandary. There is a hemorrhage of members and she has lost her influence in society.
The church is constantly under attack and now experiencing hostility from governments that were once friendly and supportive. In their attempt to appease secularism, these governments enforce new laws that conflict with God's laws. Consequently, the church is cast aside and made out to be the enemy of all.
Notwithstanding the war being waged against her, the church is constantly ministering to people affected by famines, hunger, pestilences, disasters, both natural and manmade. In recent times we have seen an increase in earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.
When we look at the above aggregately, we are left to conclude that our Lord's return is imminent. Many Christians are perplexed and are sadden. They pray that our Lord hasten his return in order to save his church.
God's word gives us comfort against fear and despondency. The above text warns us of these events. Our Lord promised they will take place before he returns.
Therefore, we don't have any reason to be sad or despondent about the increase in hostility against the church, the disasters which take place in the world and secularism. In the midst of the evil we encounter and the destruction and ruins around us, there is an opportunity to testify by proclaiming the gospel to a new generation.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as long as you stand firm upon the word of God, your opponents can not stand against you. Yes, there will be major collapses. Things will appear bleak for the church and the people of God. However, don't get frightened or give up. Instead, stand tall and proclaim the gospel.
When these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is near. Even when you appear to be standing alone, you will not be alone.
The God who created the heavens and the earth is with you. He is on your side. Even when your family and friends desert you, God is standing with you. He will always stand with you.
Therefore, you are never alone. He will protect you and guide you. He is your rock. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
We can do nothing about the destructive forces of nature. We live in a sinful world; therefore, the forces of Satan will continue to rage war against the church. We can't change this.
What we can do is spend the time we have left praising God and sharing his word with the people around us. In the midst of the evil of man and the disasters of nature, let us proclaim the gospel and extend a hand of love, friendship and charity. We can change a heart through love, a love which comes from God. Amen

o Reverend Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas; or telephone: 426-9084; e-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com; website: www.Nassaulutheranchurch.org.

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