Signs of the Times. THE FEAR FACTOR IN THE 21ST CENTURY

A great fear has overtaken the world since September 11, 2001. It is a fear of something which hardly any of us will experience, yet it has pervaded and changed the world in which we live.

It is the fear of terrorism, something that might happen but actually won’t happen to 99.9999% of people. Jesus said, “upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after (expecting NKJ) those things which are coming on the earth” Luke 21:25-26. Here he was not talking about war - he had referred to that separately (Matthew records “wars and rumours (reporting) of wars Matt.24:6).

Jesus did not say,”Men’s hearts failing them for the sight of crowds of slain.” People would be irrationally terrified for expectation of what they thought was coming, or what might come. More people drown than are killed by terrorists. Thousands of planes take off and land safely every day yet every second one has an armed guard on it. You are more likely to be run over on the road, yet insurance for events is prohibitably expensive for an unjustifiable fear of terrorists.

Fear has gripped the world. The millions who flee poverty or oppression and cross borders or sail in boats generate fears by flooding into other countries. Political leaders foolishly lead their countries into dangerous overseas adventures, upset global markets and oil supplies and generate fear in their populations.

Nobody knows where the truth lies anymore. Governments lie and mislead their people. Sophisticated deceit and corruption is everywhere. Trust is gone. Fear and uncertainty rule, resignation and hopelessness prevail.

The ordinary Moslem people have been left behind in our modern world. Their system has failed them and they are angry. They are poor, deprived under autocratic rulers, the women suppressed. The oil wealth benefits a very few. They are lashing out. Their world is in turmoil. Africa is a mess. South America is in chronic bankruptcy. Nobody knows what to do with the Middle East. Jesus said, “[There shall be] upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring” (Luke 21: 24). Here is another part of Jesus’ prophecy which is applicable to today - perplexity, uncertainty.

But the Christian believer has no need to fear. The worse it gets the closer we are to Christ’s return. “Then shall they see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” bringing with him justice, righteousness and order. He will subdue all evil, and establish peace, true worship of God and joy throughout the world. Faith in and love of Jesus is the answer to fear. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Be faithful. Be reassured. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” Luke 12:32. G.S.B. JUNE 04

This article is reproduced from PRESENT DAY EVENTS No 452, published by the Gospel Publicity League, P.O.Box 4129, Edgeworth, NSW 2285, Australia, who will send a regular free copy upon request.  htpp://www.nibleweb.org