5.01.2009

What in the World?


"This world keeps spinning faster, into a new disaster..." - Lady Antebellum

"Sometimes it feels like this world is spinning faster than it did in the old days. So naturally, we have more natural disasters, from the strain of a fast pace." - Rascal Flatts

These chart-topping songs seem to say what everyone is thinking... This planet has gone nuts! Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, blizzards, droughts, and fires all seem to be more frequent and more severe than at any time in recorded human history. If that's not enough, there are wars being fought all over the globe. And now... the swine flu! What in the world is going with... well... the world?

The secular answer is, of course, global warming. If it's too hot, it's global warming. If it's too cold, that too is global warming. I have actually heard global warming being given credit for beginning wars. (I guess people get touchy when the weather is extreme.) I am genuinely surprised the swine flu has not yet been linked to global warming.

The Bible has a better explanation for the craziness. Describing the last days of planet Earth, Jesus says in Matthew 24 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places."

Do you think "swine flu" qualifies as a pestilence? I do. Does it make you concerned? I have three small children; you better believe it has me concerned. But here's the thing... We better get used to it. As we get closer and closer to the return of King Jesus, Scripture teaches the world is going to become a crazier and crazier place.

So what are we to do?... Can't do much except go on living life. But certainly we all need to be praying for God's hand of protection over our families, friends, and churches.