2 Timothy 3: 1-4, Romans 8: 19-21, Philippians 2: 15-16

Dan & Claire Maudhub

At the time of writing we are watching the terrible rioting and looting on the streets of many cities in the UK. It seems to have come out of nowhere and at this stage we do not know how it will be resolved but it seems like a good time to focus on what the word of God says about it.

Approximately two thousand years ago Paul was warning Timothy about anarchic and lawless behaviour when he wrote, 'But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God'. 2 Timothy 3: 1-4

Since the fall of man there has always been lawlessness of course, but God revealed to Paul that it would increase intensely in the future. This passage comforts us that in times like this, God knows how things would and will unfold. He not only knows but is in control of it. He is not only in control of it but he planned it! Believe me? Take a look at this scripture:

'For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.' Romans 8: 19-21

This scripture tells us that the whole of creation is on a downward bent, with mankind leading the way, to a state of futility. Futility means to become useless, pointless, purposeless and hopeless. This verse tells us that, despite appearances, mankind does not even go this way willingly, but there is One who subjects it - forces it to become this way. That One is God! So what is His plan? Why force man to become useless and hopeless? Well this passage says that He does this in hope that man might become free from slavery and come into His intended freedom. And how this is to be done? The beginning of the passage says that it is through the revealing of the sons of God. In other words, God wants to force the world into a place where their efforts and achievements come to a hopeless nothingness and then hold up His beautiful children as the gleaming opposites - full of purpose, hope and truth! He wants to reveal us as, 'Children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life'. Philippians 2: 15-16

So what could you do today to be the 'hope' and 'light' in your world? Perhaps you are geographically in the locality of the riots and can join in a clear up operation. Perhaps you can bring help and comfort to a business owner who is trying to rebuild his livelihood. But wherever we live, we can all bless and reassure the people around us; speak positively about our communities and the people within them; pray for our leaders and those in authority. Perhaps you could even email to thank and encourage our political leaders and police.

Moving on from this week we pray you would all be encouraged to remember that Jesus is firmly on the throne over this creation and partners with us to make His glory known in the world!