ISIS continues to wreak havoc across the globe. Just weeks ago they launched a coordinated attack in Paris, where 130 people have died and 368 people were injured. Some of the injured were still in intensive care in critical condition at the time of this publishing. Scores of people have been permanently affected due to the emotional trauma of the event. We fear that ISIS or those who sympathize with their cause are already on our soil. We wonder, not if there will be an attack, but when. When evil of this scale comes to the forefront, it seems that evil is winning.
The reality, however, is that ISIS is already defeated. The script has already been written. Evil will not win. The victor has already been established. Revelation depicts evil with images of a great dragon and two beasts, who do his bidding. Evil seems to have unbridled power that cannot be challenged or diminished. These same Scriptures describe a great battle beginning to clamor; yet when Christ arrives on the battlefield the war is over. Jesus is the victor and all Heaven will break out in rejoicing. (Rev. 12-20)
The fate of evil was sealed when Christ defeated death and rose from the grave. When we live with the end in mind we can persevere in the midst of suffering and great trials. Paul writes the following to the church of Thessalonica:
“Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
We know the future. We know that when Christ comes, He will be victorious and us with Him. But what do we do in the meantime? What about the grief, suffering, and injustice that temporarily prevails?
While patiently awaiting Christ’s blessed return we actively live and serve the victorious kingdom. We do not allow angst to hold us back, but allow our light to penetrate the darkness. We help people experience this kingdom by offering them comfort, relief, and rescue.
The Jews awaited a Messiah to come and rescue them. Scriptures promised and foretold his arrival. Christmas is the season when we celebrate the arrival of this victorious King. He is our Hope and in Him we have true joy. Let not the news of the day dishearten or discourage us this Christmas season, for we know that Christ will come again and He will defeat all that stands opposed to us, once and for all. (Rev. 21:4)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
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