Bible

Bible

Friday, May 15, 2020

While There is Still an Opportunity

The corona virus, or COVID-19, is still factoring in to how we function as a society. We have heard of various ways it can affect people, from symptoms to its severity to lingering issues after the symptoms have passed. The news is filled with all kinds of information that changes each day, some of it conflicting and contradictory. As a result, many people are still frightened regarding it, of getting it, and dying from it. We know the ages and health conditions that make one at risk, even as society tries to reopen and find some degree of normalcy again.

From all this, some have questions regarding more philosophical issues associated with it. Why did God allow this to happen? How do we cope with the emotional issues that are created by isolation from human contact? Perhaps the one I’ve heard raised often has to do with whether or not this is a sign of the end of the world?

Scripture is clear the only sign of Jesus’ coming is Jesus’ coming. A trumpet will sound, there will be a shout of command, and the Lord will appear in the clouds (1 Thess. 4:16). All the dead will be raised, and all will see Him, even those who pierced Him (Rev. 1:7). However, this will happen suddenly, unexpectedly; there will be no prior warning before His coming. We will know He has returned when we all see Him coming with the clouds.

There are many questions that need to be answered, though. God has been removed from so many people’s lives for so long, many are confused, and are looking for answers to serious questions. “Why did all this happen?” “What is God’s purpose for our lives?” “What about eternity?” And for those of us who believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, we have some pertinent answers to those questions, questions that may soon cease being asked, questions we need to help answer now.

During this crisis, we have a window of opportunity for the truth. For how long, we don’t know. Even with all the social distancing, we can still communicate truth to others. We must take advantage of this while we can. Souls are seeking the truth we have, and eternity is at stake. Can we dare remain quiet at such at time as this? We are God’s emissaries for the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). At this time, who knows where a spiritual conversation will lead? The gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom. 1:16), and more hearts may be receptive to its message now than we may know.

Paul encouraged the Galatians, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” (6:10). Here is the greatest good that can be offered another, the message of salvation. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity, while there is still time. The greatest need everyone has is salvation, and we have the hope of eternal life. People are venturing out again. Speak to others you know about eternity. Even if Christ tarries in returning, we all face our physical demise at some point in time; we will enter eternity. Are you ready? Will you help others be ready? This is our goal as Christians, this is the work He has called us to do, to help others hear the good news just as we ourselves did. Will you make use of the time (Eph. 5:15-17)?

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Robert

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