HOME / PROCLAMATION! MAGAZINE / 2009 / MARCH/APRIL / ASK THE PASTOR

MARCH/APRIL 2009
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

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D E P A R T M E N T S

Ask the PASTOR

When the Sunday law comes
Dale Ratzlaff

 

Question: What are you going to do when the Sunday law is enacted and you see your errors?

Answer: Personally, I am not concerned about Sunday laws. For those who are, I suggest that you go to: NonSDA.org/Study8.

This question does, however, bring up the subject of the time of trouble which is something we do need to consider. Today some teach that Christians will be raptured before the time of trouble and thus will not experience it. Others believe we will live though the time of trouble. Our duty is to daily walk with Christ and let the Holy Spirit guide us1 as we study God's word2 and pray.3

Whether or not Christians will be present during the great tribulation, it is evident that many will go through a time of trouble. Today in many areas of the world Christians are facing persecution, hardship, and even martyrdom. It appears our country also is rapidly abandoning Christian principles. If this trend continues there is a real likelihood we could face hostility and persecution.

The question we need to consider is this: how will we react in such times? As Adventists we were taught that during the time of trouble we were to flee to the mountains to hide from those who were out to kill us because we continued to worship on Sabbath.4 For those of us who are living "the eternal kind of life," we may want to consider the following words of Jesus:

"And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you'" (Jn. 20:20–21).

Jesus left the glories of heaven to save sinners in this dark world of evil, and His commission to us is to take the good news of the simple gospel to the entire world.5 We are to go as sheep in the midst of wolves.6 This is not a picture of peace and prosperity!

"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony" (Lk. 21:12–14).

The preceding words of Jesus specifically apply to the destruction of Jerusalem. However, this event mirrors what will happen during the last days.7 Therefore, it gives us a new paradigm for facing times of trouble. Rather than being primarily concerned for our own lives, which are secure in Christ, we should reframe times of trouble as special opportunities to communicate the gospel. Often during times of trial people are more receptive to sharing their concerns and are also more open to the gospel.

When we hear the concerns of friends, neighbors and even those we do not know, we can respond, "John, would you mind if I prayed about (your concern) this week?"8 Most will say, "Please do." Then we can take their concerns to God in prayer and later get back to them to see what God is doing in their lives. When the opportunity presents itself, then we can share the gospel. Thus, instead of fleeing9 to save our lives, let us transform times of trouble into opportunities for Christ to reach lost sinners through our associations. †

 

Endnotes

1. Jn. 16:13.
2. Ps. 119:105.
3. Lk. 21:26.
4. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 626.
5. Mt. 24:14.
6. Lk. 10:3.
7. Note the close association of these two events in Mt. 24.
8. www.prayingforyou.org I highly recommend the "Praying for You" seminar.
9. I am not saying that there is never a time to flee. We should not have a martyr's complex, but we should be attentive to the opportunities to share the gospel and think of others first.

 

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More answers can be found in Dale Ratzlaff's four books available on the web at LifeAssuranceMinistries.com or by phoning (800) 355-7073.