I’m a sucker for movies and books that bring humanity together to work for a common goal. In the film Independence Day when President Whitmore gave his “mankind united” speech, I had tears in my eyes and hope in my heart for humanity. Several years ago, before the current pandemic hit, I thought the world would be a better place for having experienced such a crisis. I remember praying to the Lord for us (humanity) to come together and be one in Christ amid so many people dying, nations closing their borders, and a vaccine nowhere in sight. Surely, I thought, good would come out of all of this. We will soon be a new world filled with peace, love, and a new common purpose

Sometimes I wonder if I’m hopelessly naive or just blind to the reality of humankind’s desire to go its own way.

These were some of the thoughts that passed through my head today while I was reading Revelation. Specifically, these two verses.

The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 9:20-21 (NIV)

The “rest of mankind” in verse 20 here refers to the two-thirds remaining after the six trumpet was blown and plagues decimated one-third of the population. Some people might think the current pandemic and the “plagues” that hit the world today are part of a punishment from God. I don’t think so. Even the killing of one-third of the population here in Revelation 9 appears more to be a way to bring people into a state of repentance rather than an outright punishment from God. Otherwise, why would the text say the survivors “still did not repent” if repentance wasn’t the goal?

I know that there are people who are going to hell. I know there are people I know who are probably going to hell. I’ve seen God work miracles, signs, and wonders in people’s lives, and they still haven’t repented. After reading through Revelation 9 today, I’ve concluded that large-scale events such as global crises aren’t going to change people’s minds. I’ve known of people who have had terrible tragedies in their lives that have led to repentance and salvation. However, the big flashy things, whatever they might look like. Miracles, signs, and wonders probably aren’t going to do the trick.

It’s the crises in our lives that reveal what we believe, and who we believe in. In uncertain times, who is going to start leaning on uncertain things? During the first few months of the pandemic, alcohol, drug, and pornographic use rose. People seek refuge in the things they know. It could be God or a bottle. To some, these amount to the same thing.

No, I believe we find and stay with God when we discover Him in our everyday lives. As we go through our private trials and tribulations, we will go to the things we know for comfort until they no longer suffice. It’s then when we’re looking for something better, we can find God.

Do you know God? God knows you, and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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