No longer is there prayer in public schools. We not only allow abortions, but taxpayer dollars pay for them. Organs of aborted fetuses are harvested for sale on the black market. We have a new secular definition of marriage. Regulations, not free markets, are driving business decisions. Our world is beginning to despise the rich, even when they use their money for God’s purposes.
Some have opined that the end must be near.
Well … maybe … but history has heard this refrain before.
Consider the plight of Europe during World War I and especially World War II. There was almost total devastation in many areas. Consider Germany during the 30 Years War (1618-1648). Many southern German villages were wiped out, and the population of many German Duchies was cut to a third.
The plague that began in 1346 reduced Europe’s population by over 30%. St. Augustine wrote that the end might be near as civilization collapsed along with the Roman Empire.
It is true our world is changing and not for the better. History, however, has seen millions, perhaps billions, of people fear for their lives as their world changed. We are not close to that point yet.
Today’s reading is John 16:19-33. Jesus told his disciples that he would soon die, and what to expect. He also gave them words of encouragement, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The Prince of the World is Satan (Rev 12:3,9). Satan was expelled from heaven and he wreaks havoc on the earth (Rev 12:9-12) today.
It should come as no surprise that our lives, our way of life, and yes, our world, will be impacted by Satan from time to time. In fact, the world is driven – significantly -- by Satan.
As Jesus said, he has overcome the world, that is, Satan. He also tells us that Satan will be condemned (John 16:11) and driven out (John 12:31).
In spite of Satan's impact, Christ’s Church has proclaimed the Gospel for almost 2,000 years.
We are being impacted again. Something tells me that Christ’s Church will continue to proclaim the Gospel.
The world has changed, but we should take heart. After all, Jesus has overcome the world!
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