Jesus Has Overcome the World

Our world has changed dramatically in the last few years and not necessarily towards the direction God intended.

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!

I Can't Help But Admire Thomas

I am an amateur student of history, and I enjoy ancient and medieval history. In addition, perhaps because it is but a generation removed, I especially like to study World War II.

 

I am amazed that the German people let Hitler come to power and most did not try to stop him. I am astounded at the politics and what it took for the United States to enter the war.  I am also surprised at how easily the Nazis conquered Europe and sealed it off from the Western world.

 

The US and England needed to invade France, and they chose Omaha Beach in Normandy. Eighteen year old men travelled across the English Channel, waded in water from their amphibious vehicles to the beach, with German gunfire peppering their approach. Nearly 1 in 10 Allied Forces perished on June 6, 1944.

 

What went through the minds of these young men on that day? Did they think they were invincible? Did they not understand the danger? Or was their courage driven by the need to preserve freedom?

 

We can’t really say, but I can’t help but admire these heroes.

 

Today’s reading is John 11:1-16. Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, had died in Bethany. Word came to Jesus, who planned to travel through Jerusalem to Bethany to restore Lazarus to health.

 

There was a problem. The Jews had recently attempted to stone Jesus and he fled with his disciples. His disciples thought travelling back through Jerusalem was not a good idea, since it clearly was not safe for Jesus.

 

After Jesus and some disciples had their discussion, Thomas chimed in, “Let us also go, that we may die with him [Jesus].”

 

On the one hand, you have to admire Thomas. He believed that following Jesus in this instance meant sure death. Yet, he was willing to go.

 

On the other hand, you have to question Thomas. Did he not know who Jesus is? Did he not believe Jesus when he implied he would make it to Bethany? Thomas did not yet “get it.”

 

Thomas’ understanding was weak, but he did have a strong faith!

 

Like the WWII heroes, I can’t help but admire Thomas!