I did it as a kid. You probably did too. My kids did it, and if you have kids, I guess yours probably did too. Ask that inevitable question on a long car journey or flight: Are we there yet? How long will it be until we get there?
Long car journeys were never fun as a kid, and my parents used to help keep me amused by singing choruses or seeing who could spot a cow or sheep in a passing field first. Despite their best efforts of keeping me entertained, the question would eventually come, “Are we there yet?”
In terms of the recent situation we have found ourselves in, I’ve heard many people online posing a similar sort of question. The Coronavirus has impacted the world in a way that most people have not had to deal with before our generation or lifetime, leading to questions such as: “When will it end?” and “What will life be like once this virus is under control?” Many people are searching for answers and asking deeper questions such as “What is the purpose of life?” “Is there more to life than what we have viewed as normal?”
One of the highest google searches during this time has been “Prayer” as people have started to search for answers. As evangelists we have had, and are in, the midst of a great opportunity to reach out to people online sharing the gospel and helping them find answers to their questions.
However, in the Christian context there have also been questions.“Is this the work of the devil?” “Is this just part and parcel of life we have to deal with?” And probably the biggest one, “Is this judgement from God?”
Life is short
Just over sixteen years ago my father lost a short battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord. I remember while sitting at his bedside towards the end when he said to me “when I was young I felt I could take on the world, but now…” He let out a big sigh.
My personal view is that I am not convinced what is happening is judgement from God, but whatever the case, it is certainly a wake-up call both to the Church, individual Christians, and the secular world.
We know that our life here on earth is short. The Bible describes our individual lives as “vapor.” (James 4:14) We have a short time to live. A short time to get to know Jesus and a short time to share the gospel.
The Bible also says that God “is not slack concerning his promise, as men count slackness; but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
That is the crux.
Only God knows when He will wrap things up as far as this world is concerned. Until that time, His passion, as should be ours, is that men and women, boys and girls come into relationship with Him through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the wonderful message we have to share.
Second time
As evangelists our message is, not only to make people aware of what Jesus has done for them and their need for Him, but that at some point they will meet God, either now if they choose to follow Jesus, or at Judgement day when it will be too late for salvation.
Of course our message is very much about how Jesus came the first time as the sinless Son of God, died on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day conquering death, so that anyone who confesses Him as Lord can receive new, eternal life in Him. This is the good news of the gospel!
We should not ignore the clear facts of scripture that one day Jesus Christ Himself will return a second time to take home those who belong to Him and to bring judgement to those who have rejected Him. The message of the gospel has always been urgent, but never more so than now.
God is not an impatient God, but He is a jealous God (Deut 4:24) wanting to be in relationship with those created in His image. Although He is not impatient, He has set out a timeline and the clock is ticking.
So, while we have this opportunity, let’s take up the challenge, despite any insecurities, issues, and difficulties we may have or face, to share the gospel with everyone we can – let us work “while it is still day!” (John 9:4)
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