My heart is heavy because of all the evil that openly flaunts its wares globally, from the demonic peace and safety statue recently placed outside the UN building in New York to the blatant lies coming out of Washington D.C. on nearly every level of government.
There is a reality that is certainly under attack across the globe. Jesus is returning, as promised from the Old Testament and the New. While walking on planet earth, he told his followers that if he went away, he would undoubtedly return. The angel told his followers on the event of his departure—rising from the ground into the air, then the clouds, and finally disappearing from view—that he would return in the manner, he left.
This promise—this fact—has been thwarted by time, religion, and the adversary, the devil.
Over two thousand years have passed since the angel made that claim. Since then, humanity has plummeted into self-serving, self-righteous behavior that has gone on for so long that it has become acceptable behavior. Anyone daring to speak about such degradation of humanity is quickly labeled (the labels today are endless) and then silenced.
Time has taken its toll on the Christ-follower as well. The seemingly delayed promise of his return is playing on the hearts and minds of those dedicated to following Christ. The once white-hot flame of passion for Jesus has turned into embers of hope. The fires of revival have faded into smoldering campfires scattered hither and yond. The assurance of his return has turned into prayers of deliverance.
Religion has faithfully served its master, the devil, with its stranglehold of religious performance over a genuine relationship with God. Since the promise of his return was uttered, religion has managed to grow fat while stifling a close personal relationship with God. The sad proof of this is seen in the empty seats and pews of once-thriving congregations.
The belief in God has waned, as has the confidence in eternity. The promise of Jesus’ return is far from anyone’s lips, much less their heart.
Once operating in the shadows, the devil is now out in the open, unashamed, celebrated in nearly every form of human existence. Rudeness has replaced good manners. Openly telling lies is celebrated while speaking the truth is immediately attacked. Good has become evil, and evil has become good.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs says that we do not expect lies from our leaders. In today’s world, we do not expect truth from them—their greed and arrogance glare at you as a panther about to pounce.
The picture is not a happy one.
This is why I am so determined to talk about a close personal relationship with the godhead. Such a relationship is the only thing that will keep the Christ-follower on track and unafraid of the resident evil in the world. This is why a heart that yearns to “know” him (Jesus) is so important—they become a light—however small it might appear to be—to stand boldly in the face of such evil and declare the promise of Christ’s return.