Now And Not Yet

The devastation from the most recent hurricane breaks my heart for the residents of Florida.

There are some that say Ian exhibits several of the trends of major hurricanes in recent years. Storms seem to be getting stronger and more common in recent years, which some believe to be a result of global warming. Others attribute the change in fierceness of storms to “times of the signs” of Jesus’ return getting closer.

When it comes to Jesus’ return, no one knows for certain, but I’m reminded of what He said prior to His ascension back into heaven. Let’s look at the beginning of Acts:

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
- Acts 1:6-11

Jesus' ascension to heaven begins a new chapter in history called the modern church age. It also may be described as the 'now and not yet'. Because of Jesus, I can NOW experience forgiveness, healing and a life that is full because of Him. Yet I also know hurt, conflict and brokenness.

Escape from these trials is NOT YET. This is my reality. This is our reality.

One may attribute all of the natural disasters that occur throughout the world as effects of global warming, or, as imminent signs that Jesus is returning tomorrow.

Personally, I think it’s more beneficial if we spend less time talking and more time doing, by loving people like Jesus did.

We can’t change the fact that we are living in the ‘in-between,’ the time between the Garden of Eden at creation and the day when Eden will be restored. But while we live in this current church age, we can be reconcilers of good. We can acknowledge our present challenges and yet know and celebrate the day when God will make all things new! In Romans 8:18, 35, 37-39, Paul writes:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 8:18, 35, 37-39

No matter what we face in this current church age, we can have assurance that one day, as Revelation 21 reveals, there will be a new heaven and a new earth, and then:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Revelation 21:4

Amen!

Pastor Pam

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