In the News . . .

I’m not the news junkie I used to be (I think it helps keep me sane). I take in just enough to stay relatively current on the events. I’m sometimes amazed how little things change over the course of a week; news headlines remain much the same, so I’m not missing too much.

Most people would agree that the news shows the uncertainty of world, national and even local events. What makes the news often happens by surprise and the outcome is still unknown. For those prone to worry the nightly news has the ability to either keep you up at night, or cause an ulcer.

However, what I see and hear in the news from week to week tells me one thing that I can be sure of, and it keeps me from being anxious also. Jesus is coming again. The signs of the times all affirm that our Lord’s return will happen sooner than later. Before we know it we will all be with Jesus.

Paul also understood the days in which he lived. Just like today the immorality and violence prevalent within society pointed toward Christ’s return. Persecution against believers was increasing. Surely Jesus would come and rescue His people soon. With time racing toward an end this was his prayer.

• [11] With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. [12] We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NIV)

As we watch the final sands fall through the hourglass of time, we should make this our prayer also. We can do nothing to deserve being worthy of God’s grace; it is God who has chosen us to be like Jesus*. Each day we should be a little more like our Lord. In this way his desires become our desires so that God will empower and equip us for every good work. Why will God do this for us? Each day we live less for ourselves and more for Him; instead of wanting to be number 1 we live to acknowledge that God is number 1, to give Him glory in everything we do and say. (*See Romans 8:29)

I’m not there yet, but I want to keep pressing on to be more like Jesus, to live less for me and more for the Lord each day. Lord Jesus, until that final day comes, may our lives proclaim the good news that remains the same; Jesus has come to our rescue. Make us worthy so You are glorified in us.