By Steve Easterwood

All of us have watched the events unfolding in the Middle East with great interest.

Think about the massive political upheaval that has taken place in the last 50 years. The Berlin Wall came tumbling down and Germany was united for the first time since World War II. The Soviet Union broke up and a host of countries were born. China became a major world economic power, second only to the United States.

Now these dictators who held their countries hostage for years are falling like dominoes. What does it all mean?

At this point it’s hard to predict how the details will shake out. Will Egypt succeed in transitioning to a democracy? Will the Muslim Brotherhood eventually assume political power? Time will tell.

The one thing we can say for sure is that the second coming of Jesus Christ is nearer than ever before.

After His resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven before multiple witnesses. Their testimony was that two angels immediately appeared and said to them, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

If you knew there was going to be a flash flood you would do your best to prepare your home and your family. If the weatherman was predicting an ice storm you’d stock up on food and make sure your generator was working properly.

Unfortunately, as world events come to pass that scripture says will immediately precede the coming of Christ, most people are woefully unprepared spiritually. If you believe that the Bible is true when it says Jesus is coming again you should do two things.

First, you should make sure you are right with God. Turn from your selfish, sinful lifestyle and become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Ask Him to forgive your sins and give you eternal life and He will!

Second, live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to meet the Lord tomorrow. Jesus’ own warning was this, “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

Dr. Steve Easterwood is the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dexter.