War in Ukraine

There are often scary things in the news.

The last 2 years we have been learning to live with Covid with many reports of poeple sadly dying from the disease.

Now we have a war in Ukraine, where Russia has invaded.

We might be scared for family or friends we know in Ukraine.

Friends at school, you, might be scared.

We might think the world is ending.

We might think God has lost control.

But there is much comfort in the Bible.

Jesus himself told us these things would happen.

In Matthew 24, his followers came to him and asked him this..

Matthew 24:3–8 (ICB:VCCRU)

"What will happen to show us that it is time for you to come again and for the world to end?” Jesus answered: “Be careful that no one fools you. Many people will come in my name. They will say, ‘I am the Christ.’ And they will fool many people. You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat. And there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are like the first pains when something new is about to be born.

In all of history, there have been wars, and distaters and famins.

Evil leaders and people lieing and decieving people.

In fact we live in what historians will tell us to be the most peacful and comfortable times the world has ever known!

But we also know God has not lost control, because Jesus promised wars and distaters would continue until he comes back.

And Jesus will come back - he has promised to return and to bring justice - that means to repay people for what they ahve done worng.

Putin and all those who have rejected Jesus as Lord, and done selfish and terrible things will be judged.

That is why we trust in Jesus and ask him to forgive us - becasue we all need his love.

And when he comes back - all wars and disasters will end.

A new world will be created for Jesus’ people.

Isaiah 2:4 ICB:VCCRU

Then the Lord will settle arguments among many nations. He will make decisions for strong nations that are far away. Then the nations will make their swords into plows. They will make their spears into hooks for trimming trees. Nations will no longer fight other nations. They will not even train for war anymore.

When Jesus returns all war and sadness and fear will end!

So we don’t need to be afraid that God has lost control,

or that Jesus might have forgotten about us!

No - Jesus told us these things would happen - and they are what he calls birth pains.

These painful scarey things must happen to show us that a better and perfect world is coming.

Just like when our mum’s gave birth to us - that was a-painful experience - but it was well worth it becasue a new life was born!

And so it is now.

Terrible things are happening to remind us that a perfect and wonderful world awaits us if we trust in Jesus fo the forgiveness of our sins.

We are not happy about war, but we know it reminds us that we all need Jesus.

So let us pray for those suffering,

let us pray agianst the evil in this world,

but let us also remmeebr Jesus loves us - and he will bring justice and a perfect new world when he returns.

Pray