Peter spreads all the newspaper clippings across the table. As he glances over them, he has difficulty deciding which one to address in his prayer time.
The world seems to have gone completely mad. It almost seems an evil conspiracy of organisations is manipulating and regulating governments and every negative decision in the world.
Following Jesus is put on hold and banned from featuring in governments or schools in many places. People are not allowed to propagate Jesus or their churches in many countries. On the other hand, Muslims are allowed to propagate their faith while they pray openly over loudspeakers to be heard by everyone living close to the mosques. In some countries, people are forced to follow their religion and when they refuse, they are abused and sometimes even killed.
Same sex marriages are enjoying an enormous exposure in the media, to such an extent that it almost seems illegal to propagate normal Biblical marriages between a man and a woman. Gay and lesbian relationships are pushed down our throats in almost every newspaper, video or film.
Racism has been widely, and most rightly so, viewed as the most negative attitude that any white person could have towards a black person. However, when a black person openly discriminates against a white person, it is called affirmative action.
After 17 years of black government rule in South Africa, affirmative action is still very high on the agenda of the black government. This in spite of the fact that schools, hospitals, roads and municipalities are in a terrible state due to incompetent staff, being appointed based on the colour of their skin instead of their skill.
Earthquakes, droughts, famine, storms, financial meltdown are taking place all over the world indicating more difficult times ahead. Where and when is this going to end? What should we do in this “hopeless” situation?
During the time Farao ruled over Israel in Egypt, he thought he was in charge. God showed him otherwise, led Israel out of bondage and drowned him at the same time. Even to this day, God is keeping His eyes on Israel, managing their enemies without them knowing it.
When we watch the news or read a newspaper, we should not be influenced by what we see or hear because behind the scenes, God is directing the fate of both believers and unbelievers.
Having realised this, Peter sweeps all the paper clippings from the table into the trash can, takes his Bible and starts reading. On his face appears a grin stretching from ear to ear. He knows and calmly rests in the fact that the signs of the day are evident that the time for Jesus to re-appear is at hand. It is so good to be alive!
Live life to the full! Jesus is present already – through the Holy Spirit!