The End of His Book

   The world is stunned with the Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan before the withdrawal of American troops was completed. Fingers are being pointed in several directions to place the blame on different people or agencies. Who is to blame is not the most important issue in this situation. What we should be concerned about is the people who are caught in the crossfires. Some, probably knowing their lives were in danger, were so desperate to get out of the country they clung to the outside of an airliner and fell to their deaths when it took off. Two of the most vulnerable groups are those who worked with the American military and Christians. Separated from them by a great distance there is nothing we can physically do, but we can pray.

    Some are crying this is the beginning of the end of the United States as a world power. After having deserted Afghanistan, the Russians, Chinese, Syrians, and other powers will advance fearlessly, sure the U. S. will not come to aid of those they attack. They will steadily advance until they reach Israel and then the battle of Armageddon will begin. 

   I'm not saying they are wrong, but when I heard this I remembered the fear of Russia and the Communists that was very real in the 1950s and 60s. People built bomb shelters and stockpiled food. We were fed a steady diet of dire predictions that built unwarranted fear. I remember one time there was a massive power failure in New York City. We were told it was a test by the Russians who were planning to turn off the power across the country so we would be helpless and they could take over without firing a shot. It never happened.

     At the same time, the signs of Christ's return listed in Matthew 24 are present in our world today and increasing. Multiple wars have resulted in 82.4 million displaced people and created a refugee crisis. Huge fires, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity around the world. The planet, including the United States, is ripe for judgment.

   I am sure there will be consequences and after effects for years to come from this takeover in Afghanistan. What form that will take and how it will affect us personally I have no idea. If this country is taken over by the Communist or Islamic powers and America as we know it ceases to exist, the American people cannot place the blame on anyone but themselves. Our nation has turned its back on God and is rapidly becoming heathen. God said, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." The only path to preservation is to repent and turn back to God.

   One thing I do know is that, whether we live or die, we are secure in Christ. There is no need to panic and cower in fear. If the Islamic powers overtake our country and we are killed for our faith, it is not the end of all things. Christians have been persecuted from the day of Pentecost when the church began. Our ancestors were persecuted and killed in Europe and it continues to this day in various parts of the world. 

  I have been slowly working through reading the Martyrs Mirror this year. The torture those Anabaptists suffered is gruesome. But the book also contains many letters and statements of faith they wrote encouraging others to stand strong and true to their faith. Over and over, they write of suffering being a normal part of life and the joy it was to suffer for Christ's sake. The Martyrs Mirror was translated from Dutch to German to fortify the Mennonites in America for the difficulties of the French and Indian War that was looming on the horizon. It is now translated into English and a book every Anabaptist should read today. 

   God is sovereign. He sets up and takes down kings. He sees the big picture and knows what He is doing. He will work out His plan and His truth will triumph. I know that for a fact. I read the end of His Book.