What the Heck is Going on in America?
So many people, especially Christians, have expressed their disgust and anxiety over the condition of our country right now. I have heard people say things like, “We have never been so divided,” “America has gone insane,” “Surely, this is the start of a second civil war,” and “This must be a sign that Jesus is coming back soon.”
It is easy to get sucked into being afraid of what is going on in America – afterall, that is what the news stations are going for. The more fearful you are about the state of the country – the more you will watch the news! Don’t believe me? Remember 9/11? That was the first time the news was on almost all stations 24 hours a day for several days. Weren’t we all glued to our t.v’s constantly trying to get information? I remember Mr. Rogers put out a public service announcement saying for the sake of your children, turn the news off!
My point is not to bash the news networks. I admit every morning I flip on Fox News to get caught up on things. My point for today is our reaction to what is going on. Is America divided? Are we in the midst of Spiritual Warfare? Is it a sign that Jesus is coming back soon? The answer to all is yes, but please read on!
In Matthew chapter 10, we see Jesus sending out His twelve disciples and giving them authority to “drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew 10:1. In verses 10:7-8, He explains further, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The Kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
The disciples must have been like, “Wow! This is so awesome we get to do all of this!” But before they can all cheer and high five each other, Jesus gives them a little more information. Matthew 10:16-17 says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues.” Wolves? Flogged? Well that kind of stinks. Yeah, it does, but it gets worse. In Matthew 10:21 – 23a, Jesus continues, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stand firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.”
And if that did not make their blood run cold, surely, Jesus’ words a few verses later did, “If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!” Matthew 10:25b
To all who think following Jesus will make their life easier, I defer to Jesus’ own words to refute. Jesus did not come to give us an easier life. In fact, by His own words, He tells us He came to divide people. On the one side, are the followers of Jesus. On the other, Satan, and those following him whose mission it is to inflict as much hatred and persecution on Jesus’ followers as they can. Friends, if this is what Jesus’ Apostles, His messengers, were to expect, how could we possibly expect any less? There was, has been, and always will be Spiritual Warfare going on until the time Jesus comes back and puts a permanent end to it. Satan knows his time is limited and he is trying to do as much damage and bring as many down with him as he possibly can. Does this frighten you? Well, if you are not following Jesus, it should. However, for those of us who do belong to Jesus, listen to what He tells His disciples (and us!) in Matthew 10:26-30, “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Our Almighty God is sovereign over EVERYTHING! He is sovereign over all people, He is sovereign over all circumstances, He is sovereign over Satan, and yes, He is sovereign over all that is happening in our country right now! We may not understand where He is going with His plan, but we can rest, knowing a God who loves us so much that He has even the hairs on our head numbered, will act for the good of His people and for His glory.
Finally, as the question of whether all of this is a sign Jesus is coming back soon? Yes, He is coming back soon. But understand, in light of eternity, soon could mean today, next month, or 1,000 years from now. In the meantime, trust in the promises God reveals in His Word, and stand firm in your faith!
