LAST DAYS: PRIORITISING THE KINGDOM IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES

Today I woke up to one of those moments, no specific leading, nothing spectacular as I got to pray. I have learnt not to be anxious in such times but to go before the Lord with an empty vessel: “speak now Lord for thy servant listens”. After a while it was impressed upon me to speak about what is happening now in the world, events that would appear to be a part of what Paul described as “last days” and “very difficult times” (2 Timothy 3:1). 

For those who may not be aware of what is happening in the world, here is summary. Over the last three days, the Middle East has entered a state of unprecedented escalation following a massive, coordinated military strike by the United States and Israel that eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several high-ranking officials, triggering a wave of retaliatory missile strikes across the region and the effective closure of the world’s most vital energy corridors. Many travelling through the Gulf Region have had to halt plans due to closure of the airspaces of several states.       In context, let’s not forget the words of the Lord himself concerning last days, “you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place…” (Matthew 24:6-). What ought to be our posture, how should we behave as believers in such times? 

Reading 1Timothy 2:1-7)

 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.

·       Paul emphasises prayer and intercession for all peoples, for rulers 

·       God wants everyone to get saved 

·       He points to the Gospel as kingdom priority 

While this not a comprehensive list, here are suggested elements to incorporate in our lives in these difficult times. 

        i.            Prioritise God, His Kingdom  

33 Seek the Kingdom of God[e] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33)

·       Seek God’s will, His purpose

·       Pray for His will and purpose in all things (Matthew 6:10)  

·       Seek fellowship and intimacy with God through prayer and study of His word more than ever before—those who Know God will be strong and overcome very form of attack or temptation and continue do be productive in His kingdom no matter what (Daniel 11:32) 

      ii.            Pray and intercede for others (1Timothy 2:1-7)

·       Remember others are caught right in the middle of war, it is war and lives be lost and people will be maimed and affected.

·       Pray for the less fortunate 

·        Pray for leaders and rulers and all decision they must make in these difficult times 

    iii.            Look after yourself

·       Be informed but don’t let media feed you too much

·        Let