Thought for the Week

In first century Palestine Jesus said “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.

“Such things must happen, but the end is not yet come”.

This past week, following the allied attack on Syria, many have expressed the fear that the UK is about to be nuked by Syria’s ally Russia.

Does 2000 year old pre-nuclear age advice have any relevance; even if given by the “Son of God”, have any meaning?

Jesus spoke in a time when an invading army patrolled the streets and brutally suppressed any home grown opposition.

His experience of war was far more real than our present one; and ultimately would lead to his crucifixion.

In his time, wars and rumours of wars were thought to be a declaration that the world was about to end.

Jesus advises don’t be alarmed – it is not going to happen yet. God is in control: therefore trust Him. Some of us are old enough to remember the Cold War and cynical Government advice on how to survive a nuclear attack.

“Aye right, so we will” was the usual response to that!

In those days the Christian community banded round the word of God given to Noah after the flood – the sign of the rainbow and God’s promise that never again would He destroy the world.

We trusted in the midst of fear, and came through that experience.

The end did not come, and it has not come.

In the midst of all that we face, Jesus’ word encourages us to put our trust, hope and prayers in God. That’s the best offer we have. Ken Coulter Church Leader Rutherglen Baptist Community Church