“Peace on earth, good will toward men,” (Luke 2:14) seems but a dream. The recent past has seen angry protesters occupying public venues, a bitter political campaign has been concluded, American citizens are polarized on many issues.
The economy remains sluggish, some 23 million are unemployed, social commentators lament the loss of civility, and many are concerned that the future isn’t as promising for young people as it was for previous generations.
St. Paul, as the early believers were looking for the appearing of the Lord, urged them to not “be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed …” (2 Thess. 2:2). In fact, every generation has its own unique set of challenges.
During the American War Between the States, preachers, both in the North and in the South, saw the conflict in apocalyptic terms. A later generation endured a global “war to end all wars,” which was shortly followed by a worldwide economic depression. Another generation endured a terrible war that claimed the lives of over 50 million people.
It is in the midst of adversity that a longing for peace and well-being becomes palpable. The season of longing for the Advent of Christ calls for believers to look beyond current circumstances and see the intentions and the purposes of God.
Rome occupied most of the known world, slavery was an established fact, brutality and betrayal were daily occurrences and yet Jesus faithfully and consistently proclaimed the Kingdom of God.
“Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint …” (Isa. 7:4). Trust in Him.
Help us, O Lord, to look to You and to not be dismayed by what we see around us. Rather, help us to see as You see and, thus, to live faithfully, boldly, and confidently.
[David Epps is the pastor of the Cathedral of Christ the King, 4881 Hwy. 34 E., Sharpsburg, GA 30277. Services are held Sundays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. (www.ctkcec.org). He is the bishop of the Mid-South Diocese which consists of Georgia and Tennessee (www.midsouthdiocese.org). He may contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org.]
