Hello.
This winter’s grey skies seem to reflect international tensions in the grey zone, a phrase sometimes used to describe the idea of being in between war and peace. Although war zones exist in places such as Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, will there be global conflict in our lifetime?
What should we make of this world where warlike words and behaviour seem commonplace? Is there any hope?
It’s a bit like a cop-out for Christians to proclaim that, when Christ returns, he’ll sort out the world for our good once and for all. What will he do? Will he send troops, warships and fighter aircraft in his strategy to subdue troublesome hotspots? Will he deploy bombs and weapons of wide-spread destruction? Of course, we don’t know all the answers. Nevertheless, Christians cling still onto the hope-filled faith that Jesus Christ, the son of our loving, compassionate God, will come back in glory and in peace.
This return is discussed in the Bible in terms of the weather, a subject to which most British people and Europeans can relate. The grey skies will disappear for “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come”. (Song of Songs 2:11-12 NIVUK).
The gathering storms of war are swept away. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns.
Let’s look forward to that day.
Best regards,
James
About the Writer:
James Henderson is a Minister in Grace Communion International.