Dear friends, as we read the news or look at what is happening today, one thing is certain: The world is on the brink of another world war. Tensions are escalating in various regions across the globe. The recent developments in Gaza and Lebanon and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine can at any time spiral into a world war. But what will make this world war different from the previous two is the use of nuclear weapons. Undoubtedly, the loss of human life will be unimaginable.
Surprisingly, in both the first and the last book of the Bible, we are told about the large-scale destruction of human life. In the book of Genesis, we are familiar with the flood that destroyed everyone except Noah and his family. And in Revelation, the last book of the Bible, St. John is given a vision where he sees fire pouring down on the earth, in the sea, in the rivers, and the springs. And then he sees a third of the earth burning up, a third of the sea turning into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea dying, and a third of the ships being destroyed. Further, he sees a third of the water turning bitter, and many people dying from drinking the water, because it had turned bitter. (Revelations 8:7-11). The description of the fire that John saw in his vision appears to bear an uncanny resemblance to a nuclear explosion. Everything and everyone in the radius of the explosion are instantly destroyed by fire. Next, more and more people continue dying as a result of the fallout of the explosion since everything, including water, gets contaminated. Imagine a situation where there are several nuclear explosions all around the world. The bad news is that many countries today are equipped with nuclear warheads and to make matters worse, international peace is deteriorating rapidly. The situation is ripe for a nuclear World War where one-third of human life can be wiped off.
On the surface of things, it appears as though wars are started by the leaders of nations that get into a conflict. But the Bible makes it very clear that they are allowed by God. He sets the time for war and the time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:8). Another wrong concept that many have about wars is that they start simply because of some political situation, revenge, religious differences, etc. However, the Bible again makes it clear that the main reason is because the people have become godless and are doing all sorts of evil things. That has been the history mainly of Israel. Whenever God’s people turned against Him, wars, plagues, famine, etc. would follow. We are told about the prophet Habbakuk who complained to the Lord about the godlessness that was increasing around him… Why do you make me see such trouble? How can you stand to look on such wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are all around me, and there is fighting and quarreling everywhere. The law is weak and useless, and justice is never done. Evil people get the better of the righteous, and so justice is perverted. (Habakkuk 1:3-4). Kindly note what the Lord said to him… "Keep watching the nations around you, and you will be astonished at what you see. I am going to do something that you will not believe when you hear about it. I am bringing the Babylonians to power, those fierce, restless people. They are marching out across the world to conquer other lands. They spread fear and terror, and in their pride they are a law to themselves… (Habakkuk 1:5-7).
Doubtless, godlessness has increased like never before in almost every corner of the world today. It does not take a fortune teller to say that a World War is around the corner. St. Peter writes… God did not spare the ancient world, but brought the flood on the world of godless people; the only ones he saved were Noah, who preached righteousness, and seven other people. (2 Peter 2:5). God gave a command, and the heavens and earth were created. The earth was formed out of water and by water, and it was also by water, the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed. But the heavens and the earth that now exist are being preserved by the same command of God, in order to be destroyed by fire. They are being kept for the day when godless people will be judged and destroyed. (2 Peter 3:6-7).
Going back to the prophet Habakkuk, God told him one more thing… Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed. (Habakkuk 2:3). This means that things will not happen suddenly. Everything will appear to be normal. The godless people will feel that they can go on with their evil way of living. Godlessness will continue spreading. But as the nation becomes more and more godless, it is certain to meet with disaster. Interestingly, after speaking about the fire that is going to come upon the earth, St. Peter goes on to say… But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to Him the two are the same. The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, He is patient with you, because He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins. (2 Peter 3:8-9). In all this, there remains one question that is yet to be answered, 'What about the fate of God's people?'
To be continued in the next issue...