21 Aug, 2007

"Don't panic"

Jesus gives us these words during these very troubled times in our world.

Bombings are deadliest since Iraq war began

BAGHDAD - Rescuers used bare hands and shovels Wednesday to claw through clay houses shattered by an onslaught of suicide bombings that killed at least 250 and possibly as many as 500 members of an ancient religious sect in the deadliest attack of the Iraq war.

The U.S. military blamed al-Qaida in Iraq, and an American commander called the assault an "act of ethnic cleansing."

The victims of Tuesday night's coordinated attack by four suicide bombers were Yazidis, a small Kurdish-speaking sect that has been targeted by Muslim extremists who consider its members to be blasphemers.

The blasts in two villages near the Syrian border crumbled buildings, trapping entire families beneath mud bricks and other wreckage. Entire neighborhoods were flattened.

"This is an act of ethnic cleansing, if you will, almost genocide," Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq, told CNN. He said that was evident from the fact Yazidis live in a remote part of Ninevah province that has been far from Iraq's conflict.

Some 350 people were injured, but the death toll was put as high as 500 by some local officials.

photo courtesy ap & story msnbc.msn.com, 8/15/07

Mark 13:3-8 (NLT)

Signs of the Close of the Age

3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, 4 “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”

5 Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 6 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 7 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 8 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us to remember during so many troubling times in our world today?

When Jesus gave these words to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, he was not talking specifically about the current war in Iraq or the ethnic cleansing (murder) going on around the world, but there is a connection.

Every day that goes by brings us one day closer to Christ's return. Wars and rumors of wars (can you say Iran?)) are all part of what's coming - the end of the world as we know it today.

But don't panic! Jesus encouraged his disciples then and he does the same for his followers today to remember that God is in control. If you are a follower of Jesus, meaning that you have received his gift of salvation and you strive to live for him every day, you can have peace in a very troubled world. That's a promise from Jesus!

Also, don't get sucked into believing anyone who claims they know exactly when the world will end and Jesus will come back. Many false teachers have already misled people by claiming to have revelations from God and have given out many dates - none of which were true, because Christ's followers are still here!

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Thank Jesus every day for being in control even when the world seems more out of control.
  • Memorize verse 7 as a reminder of why you don't need to panic with all the crisis in the world.
  • Keep up with what's happening in the world. Look at current events in light of God's Word.
  • Don't listen to 'religious' leaders and others who claim to know the exact time of the end of the world.
  • Talk to God right now... Heavenly Father, thank you that you sent your Son Jesus to give me life, both now and forever. Thank you that you already know the exact perfect time of when Jesus is coming back to get His followers. Jesus, thank you for your promise to never leave me and to give me peace because you have already overcome the world. Jesus, use your power to bring a peaceful solution to the war in Iraq and the rumor of war with Iran. Give world leaders the insight and courage they need. Give me the courage I need to represent you in a troubled world. In Jesus' name....amen.

How can we connect all of this to our friends and family who need Jesus?

  • Keep praying for them by name every day. God often uses change and difficult circumstances to help people recognize their need for Jesus.
  • Someone you know may have fears about the future and the end of the world. You could use the current wars and rumors of the coming conflict with Iran to start up a conversation about world events and future events. Don't worry about knowing all about the war or the politics involved or all about the Biblical explanation of the end times. Just give others the opportunity to express themselves. Remember to listen to their hearts. Remember to listen to Jesus guiding your thoughts and words. Simply talk about the peace and confidence you have in knowing that God is in control. This is part of telling your story!
Permanent Link
comments

Ornament

The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.