A Future and a Hope

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Usually when I read a 300 page fiction book, it takes me two or three weeks to complete. I read 20 to 30 pages one day, the same the next, then I skip a day or two here and there. I just read a bit, then I am off to something else. A couple days ago I picked up a book titled "The Planner" by Alexandra Swann, this is one of those books I cannot put down. In two days, I am already half way through it. This books, the first of a two in a series, has got me thinking about the future of America. The book opens in the year 2013, however I think the author would be better served setting the book at some point in the future. However, this being said, the book thus far paints a picture of what life in America might be like when the government runs out of money to meet the obligations which it has promised.

To make a long story short, Washington realizes they are quickly approaching a shortfall of money to pay Social Security. As a result, the President initiates a plan to solve this problem. In 90 days some retired people will stop receiving their social security checks. As time passes, more retired people will lose their Social Security. The government gives those affected an option, one is to do nothing, stop receiving their checks and make ends meet on their own. For many this is not an option as they do not have the resources to do so. The other is to give the government all your money and possessions, then live under a new retirement plan. If you choose this option, you must live in an enclosed government managed community living by all their rules. However, the government promises to take care of you for the rest of your life. Instead of a check from the government, you receive credits which can only be spent in the community. A married couple is given a 500 sq. ft. apartment with no kitchen. You must only eat in the cafeteria, and eat what they say you will eat. You are not allowed to cook your own food. Basically, you are taken care of for the rest of your life, but lose your freedoms. Here in the USA, Washington keeps piling on the debt. If this continues, it is only logical to conclude that the end result will not be pretty. I ask of myself, "If we here in America stay on this path we are on, what will life look like when the government no longer has the money to meet its promised obligations?"

In the Bible, I hold to a a futurist interpretation of end times eschatology. As a result, I believe their will be a tribulation period before Christ returns to set up His 1000 year millennial kingdom. This will be followed by a new heaven and earth in which believers will dwell with the Lord forever.

²¹ For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. ²² And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:21-22 NKJV)

While we are looking at a time of tribulation which the world has never experienced before, I am not the doom-and-gloomer type. I firmly believe for all us who are in Christ Jesus, we have a future and a hope. The devil will come out like a roaring lion seeking to whom he may devour, but Jesus has already won the battle. While the devil is running around killing all of those who will not pledge allegiance to him, Jesus is busy saving souls. Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— (Revelation 14:6) As a follower of Christ Jesus, I need not fear what the future may hold. I have read the end of the book and I know the ending. The devil loses, and those of us who are in Christ Jesus will have a life beyond all our wildest imaginations.

All Things Made New

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

⁵ Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

⁶ And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. ⁷ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. ⁸ But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:1-8 NKJV)

I would like to ask one question. "Who or what are you following?" You can be certain of this, if you follow Jesus, He will take you to a place you want to go. If you are following anyone or anything else, the devil will take you to a place you do not want to go.

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32NKJV)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)


Just as a side note, I do not receive any compensation if you go to Amazon and buy the book, "The Planner."