I’m a dinosaur when it comes to social media. It’s my family and friends who suggest I should check something out. When I do survey Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or WhatsApp, I inevitably discover Adventists commenting on the state of the world. There are comments on the signs of the times; the election in the USA; who to believe; hurricanes and disasters; the invasion of Russia into Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; global warming; the pope and many other things.
I suspect that Adventists are following the signs because Jesus told us to watch, stay awake and be ready for His return (Mark 13:33-37). In Jesus’ dialogue on the destruction of the Temple and the end of the world there are two distinct types of signs—those in the external world as mentioned above (Matthew 24:5-8) and those within the church (Matthew 24:9-14). Most of the comments I noticed were on what is happening in the world. But we can do little about these signs except help those who are affected by war, famines, disasters and political upheavals. I am thankful that Adventists are very good at helping people in disasters and ADRA also has a “Disaster Ready Church” program. But what happens in the world is out of our control.
However, we can be integrally involved in the signs that involve the church. There are two factors—our own spiritual journey and temperature, and the mission God has asked us to fulfil (Matthew 24:9-14). These two factors—our spiritual journey and God’s mission—are linked. The closeness we have to God affects our role in taking the gospel to the world.
As a hobby gardener I know the quality of the fruit or vegetables that I grow depends on the quality of the soil. A good root system can only be developed in good soil, and a good root system is the most significant factor in the quality and quantity of the harvest. Isaiah the prophet may have enjoyed gardening too as he writes, “In the days to come Jacob shall take root, Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit” (Isaiah 27:6, ESV). If our roots are in the Word of God, this will bring us close to His never-ending love. If we are able to stay connected with God in prayer despite how we feel, we are more likely to represent and speak about God with joy and conviction. However, if we are distant from God, His Word is neglected and prayer is just a religious ritual, we are not inclined to live or speak out the life-changing message of Jesus.
God’s amazing message of love will fill the whole world and we can be a part of this expansion. Persecution will come to the church, as the devil wants to destroy it. But even with opposition the church—you and me—can still be a strong tree. This was illustrated in the life of the church of Cuba from the 1960s to the 1990s—an era of strong communist rule. Early on, the Cuban communist government took over church-owned and operated schools, clinics and publishing houses. Churches were forbidden to operate. How could the church survive when its major institutions for witness were gone? However, the church still grew. It grew because no government can stop personal witness. God’s people would whisper a word of hope to a frightened neighbour at a bus stop, they would pray for a work mate in hospital, they would support their relatives with food or clothing. Personal witness is always the most powerful and effective way of engaging with God in His mission.
The Sabbath also had a powerful silent witness in Cuba. People would notice that Adventists continued to meet for worship and fellowship—this made them resilient and joyful. Some Adventists were arrested and jailed because they remembered the Sabbath day in honour of their Creator and Redeemer, but this only strengthened the resolve of the others to be faithful in prayer and practice of faith.
As we wait for Jesus’ certain return, let’s spend our energy on what we can change rather than what we cannot. Let’s be faithful disciples, staying connected with God and sharing our personal faith life with others, rather than speculating on the latest news item. In this way we work with God in His mission.
