In Matthew 24:6 (NLT), Jesus is speaking about the end times and says, ‘And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately’.
It’s hard not to panic, with terrorist attacks as well as armed conflicts and civil unrest around the world. We’re currently commemorating the centenary of the First World War, the ‘war to end all wars’, but there’s no doubt humanity is still too often drawn to warfare as a way to solve conflict.
So, are we to live in a state of imagining we have reached the end and that Jesus will soon return? One Bible commentator refutes this, saying, ‘We do not know how much evil is necessary to the end in question, [therefore] it is better to assume that the end is not yet, than to assume the contrary.’ His rationale is that the doubt the Bible leaves as to when the end will come is not meant to ‘paralyse effort’. Instead, it is to ‘invigorate’ us as we appreciate our work for God is not yet over.
To that end, Nelson Mandela’s call to remain optimistic even in the face of darkness may inspire us to keep working for God’s peace in the world. ‘I am fundamentally an optimist,’ Mandela said. ‘Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.’ No matter how despairing the times may appear, we must not give up!
I’ll be away for a while attending The Salvation Army’s International College for Officers in London. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity for broader exposure to the internationalism of our movement. Don’t panic, though, you’ll be in reliable hands with the remaining War Cry staff, some of whom will be taking turns writing this editorial column over coming weeks.
Christina Tyson
John 14:27 New International Version
‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’
Hoani 14:27
‘He rangimārie tāku e waiho nei ki a koutou, tēnei tāku rangimārie te hoatu nei e ahau ki a koutou: e kore e rite ki tā te ao hoatu tāku hoatu ki a koutou. Kei pōuri ō koutou ngākau, kei mataku.’