Crisis

We use the word easily, and it is often repeated in our media. If something is in crisis, it seems to be newsworthy. From poverty to politics and everything in between, we become immune to its real meaning. As a fourteen year old, I remember the Cuban missile crisis in 1963 and the fear it produced in me and my classmates. The threat was real, and today’s teenagers are now faced with another, real crisis. This one, like the last one, is not of our own nation’s making.

The new US President Donald Trump, and North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un are not men to be messed with. Both are proud, yes even arrogant in their own worth and see themselves as a kind of ‘saviour’ (small ‘s’) of their country. One by birth, the other elected in a democratic process. What each says, goes. Consequences are not thought through. Neither will stand down for fear of being humiliated, or seen as the loser. These were exactly the same conditions that prevailed in 1963. As history shows, the missile carrying ships headed to Cuba, turned around. One leader was hailed as a victor, the other slid into the background.

As the saying goes, “One thing we learn from history, is that we don’t learn from history”, so here we go again. I imagine that our youth are fearful, and wondering what on earth is going on, just as it was in my younger day. As the US and North Korea’s leaders lock horns, it is impossible to know what will happen next as the leaders flex their muscles. But as Christians we have the sure words of Jesus, our supreme Lord who is over and above all earthly leaders. We need to take heed of the two fold message. While we are not fearful, we must recognise that time is still available to get onside with the only true winner, Jesus Christ.

You will hear about wars that are being fought. And you will hear stories about other wars beginning. But don’t be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Matt 24:6