November, 2008

Dear Saints,

Perhaps this day finds you weary and worn, tired of the ceaseless worry inherent in the challenging nature of today's social, political, and economic climates. Where can a soul find rest in this hour of tumult? Where can one find the peace that allows us to truly be comforted and nourished in our rest?

The answer is Jesus Christ, as it always is. Our Lord is not surprised at the times in which we live. From the very beginning the prophets have foretold of these times, and times yet to be:

But before that day, he saw great tribulation among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men's hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgment of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked.
- Genesis 7:74

And he answered them, and said, In the generation in which the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled, there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity, like the sea and the waves roaring. The earth also shall be troubled, and the waters of the great deep; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. For the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
- Luke 21:25-26

If ever there was "distress of nations with perplexity, like the sea and waves roaring," and "men's hearts failing them for fear," then it is today.

While this particular moment in history does carry its unique obstacles to the peace that passes understanding, an understanding of the office of Christ discourages the Christian soul from despair. The faithful will find in Christ the rock upon which a solid house might be built, and one upon which the storms of the present season may do little harm in the end.

How is it that a faithful soul might be so comforted in light of the continuous news of despair and destruction? The answer lies in our inheritance. We are not the heirs of Babylon, her kingdoms and riches, her profit and glory. We are the children of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom which cannot fail, and one whose King is without beginning or end. Yes, it is true, the institutions of men will fail, and people will suffer because of their investment of trust and faith in the corruptible instruments of mankind, but our treasures are not secured by any mortal principality. Our treasures are laid up in heaven, placed with care by way of righteous living, proving the value of virtue, and the worthiness of eternal principle. They are not subject to the policy of men or the cruelty of their greed.

A life lived well, meaning one filled with love for God and our fellow man, and ever witnessing the eternal principles of the Gospel of Christ, is one which invites a perfect peace. How is this so, when the threat of our temporal ruin seems so imminent, so sure? How can we really find peace when our financial future is so uncertain, and the very fabric of orderly conduct seems threadbare and weak? How can we rest knowing that our banks may fail, our retirement may falter, and our children may suffer?

Remember Jesus Christ, and the promise of eternal life. Put things in their proper context, and allow for a broader vision of eternity. Undoubtedly, this understanding encouraged Paul when he wrote:

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. - Romans 14:8

Often, our fear is borne of an incomplete reading or understanding of the scriptures. For many years preachers have delivered sermons full of woe in an effort to drive men to repentance. Many speak of the impending dooming of the world, the fall of Babylon, the suffering and despair of the last days. They do well to warn the Saints of the fruit of iniquity, but we are not the children of Babylon. What about those who are faithful? What insight is given in the scriptures about those who continually develop their relationship with Jesus Christ?

The scriptures suggest that the faithful will not be equal partakers in the plagues of the last days with those who have rejected Christ:

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. - Revelation 18:2-4

Furthermore, the faithful are left with a promise given by Jesus Christ Himself:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27

This peace belongs to the recognition that it matters less whether we live or die, but rather whether we live or die in Christ.

Should we not prepare then for the trials of the last days? Should we try ignorance as the tincture by which our solace is manifest? Heaven forbid. Guard yourself with careful study, understand the signs of the times, and study the scriptures. One will find that a more complete study of the scriptures leads us into joy and not despair. For example, the scripture quoted above (Luke 21:25-26) may at first seem discouraging, having been removed from its greater context. However, the very next verse reads:

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for the day of your redemption draweth nigh. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory. - Luke 21:27-28

Praise the Lord! What a glorious day to be alive when these things should come to pass!

Should we not prepare then, given the promises of Christ, and the surety of the inheritance of the faithful. Heaven forbid, but let us prepare more purely, not given to distraction in terms of our temporal affairs, but immersed in the preparation of our spiritual lives.

Here is the truth of the matter. We had aught to prepare today, but not by way of securing money, firearms, food, etc. The preparation that we should enjoy today is the same preparation that men should have been engaged in from the foundation of the world. We should seek every opportunity to make our lives right in the sight of God…to prepare to enter into His presence. Despite our living in unique times, our preparation should be no different than that exercised by Adam, Enoch, Moses, Peter, etc. Our preparation should be a spiritual preparation, one made by keeping the commandments of God, which will always bring us into a more perfect harmony with Him.

Perhaps, the mode of our preparation should be the same as that encouraged by the Holy Spirit from the beginning of time, but shouldn't we now prepare with great urgency? Yes, but men should have always carried this sense of great urgency, even from the days of Adam. Our sense of urgency should not be borne of the lateness of the hour, but by the rightful recognition that this is our only hour of probation. The same would have been true had we lived one thousand years ago.

Our preparation, and the urgency with which we enter into it, should have much less to do with our station in time, but should be based upon the fear of God, and should be the same preparation and urgency as that employed by those who have faithfully and righteously gone before us.

Do not prepare for selfish reasons, to save your life or win eternal merits. Prepare for the coming of Christ because you love Him and desire nothing more than to invoke His good pleasure. Let us prepare because we can't stand the thought of disappointing our first love, and because His will is become our mission. When we more fully come to this place in our hearts and minds, we will find the effects of the world less influential. Suddenly, the despair which grips the hearts of men, and the trials which befall us seem less significant…less capable of inviting fear. Now, Saints, do we walk steadfastly with the peace that passes understanding.

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Brian D. Herren,
Pastor