Focused on Jesus

        However, you get your news updates (cable news, talk radio, Facebook, etc.) what is clear is we live amid a lot of unrest. Whether it is on the other side of the world like what we see in the Middle East, especially in Israel and Gaza currently, or even here in our backyard, we seem to be living in a time of chaos. We currently live in a time where we are more connected to information than ever before in history. This can be both a blessing and a curse. We can know when things happen in other parts of the world where we might have loved ones, and yet while we are connected by technology we are disconnected relationally.  As a result, what seems to have happened is that we have stopped talking to each other face-to-face which leads to confusion.

Dr. Tony Evans recently posted on social media,

         “Bible prophecy is not designed to satisfy our curiosity about tomorrow or the next day, nor is it designed to fill our heads with information so we can get together and debate the details of God’s plan. Gaining information has its place in the study of prophecy. It’s important that we understand as fully as we can what God is saying to us. But at the heart of God’s purpose for prophecy is changing our hearts and affecting the way we live our lives. It is meant to draw us into a greater level of worship of Him.

        He wrote this a few days after October 7^th in what I would guess is a response to what took place in Israel. What rang true for me, and is a great reminder, was regardless of when Jesus is coming back soon, we must remain focused on Him. The church has been waiting a couple of thousand years and holding on to the promise of Christ’s return. You and I can find peace and rest in the hope of Jesus’ promise to come back again.

        The challenge for us, His people, is to respond by focusing on the right thing, Jesus. While the chaos and confusion cause pain and suffering, which should cause our hearts to break, we should also find hope as we see all that is going on as an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus. In doing so we are knowing Him more and equipping ourselves to make Him known.

- Pastor Josh