Happy Sabbath!

How would we describe the current state of the world? Likely, we could each come up with many descriptions that would be accurate. Perhaps the most visceral and graphic description I can think of is found in Romans 8:22-23 "For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body." What a visual that is created with this description! A woman in labor is one of the most intense things that someone can go through. What starts out with minor contractions crescendos, getting longer and more intense, with each new wave. What an apt description of what the world has been like since the time of Adam.

There are many lessons we can draw from this, but one that comes to mind is putting this verse with 2 Peter 3:12 where we are told we should be "Looking for and hastening the day of God..." For those who have gone through the process of giving birth (either as the mother or as someone supporting the mother), hastening the labor process to get to the actual birth is paramount. The desire is very strong to get through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible.  As we look around at a world that is reeling to and fro in birth pangs, is our reaction to want to hurry along through the pain and suffering and get to the joy that comes in birth?

These vivid images and emotions give us a powerful analogy to assess our own efforts. As we think on these things, let consider two ways in which we can be hastening the return of Christ.

1. Pray for God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:10). Our human reasoning can easily talk us out of this very important practice. Why should we pray for something that will come any away? In Christ's instruction on how to pray, He both begins and ends with a focus on God's coming Kingdom. Our prayer is a vital way in which we can convey to God how much we desire His kingdom. This is not only an expression of our desire, but also a recognition of the only solution to the problems we see in this world. We should never discount our prayers to God. God deeply desires to take care of his children and our prayers to Him "avail much" (James 5:16). In fact, the pangs this world is experiencing prior to Christ's return, will be "cut short" for the sake of God's people (Matthew 24:22).
2. Work to fulfill the mission God has given His Church (Matthew 28:19-20). We are being prepared to be the bride of Jesus Christ. Our role in this is to make ourselves ready (Revelation 19:7). This includes declaring the truth of God both in and out of the Church (Mark 16:15). As God calls individuals who hear the truth, we work together in edifying, growing, overcoming, and perfecting ourselves for the Kingdom of God. Before God sends His Son to earth, these things must be taking place.

As we approach the Feast of Trumpets, lets renew our zeal in looking for and hastening the day of God. We need to be reminded of our desperate need for God's Kingdom and make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure we are prepared when that day comes.

In Love and Regards,

Devin Schulz