Looking Unto Jesus in Times of Uncertainty

I don’t know about you right now, but I’m feeling exhausted.

This year we’ve had the COVID-19 pandemic, murder hornets, wildfires, civil unrest, political shenanigans (what’s new), and even wars and rumors of wars.

Honestly, it sounds like we’re living out a chapter from the book of Revelation.  

Speaking of wars and rumors of wars, that actually brings to mind Matthew chapter 6.

Mark and Matthew both referenced this phrase, but they immediately follow it up with some version of “but don’t worry”.

But don’t worry? How is that even possible right now?  

We say we’re living in unprecedented times, but I think what we’re really implying is that this is the worst we’ve personally seen things.

I’m in my 40s, so I missed Vietnam, most of us missed out on World War II, and pretty much all of us missed out on World War I, not to mention the Spanish Flu of 1918.

So how could Matthew and Mark speak of such drama, such chaos, such wars and rumors of wars, and not be troubled?

I think the advantage they had that we don’t, is they could literally see Jesus.

Let’s take it a step further. If your Bible is like mine, then these words they recorded are in red, which means Jesus said it Himself!  

Matthew, Mark, Mary, Martha and everyone else around Jesus weren’t worried. Why?

Because they heard Jesus tell them “Don’t worry!”

They saw Him speaking to the multitudes, forewarning them of certain tribulation, despair, injustice, and unrest.

And then, what does Jesus follow it up with? “Be ye not troubled.”

To be honest with you, Matthew 24:3-14 and Mark 13:3-13 could basically be an excerpt from today’s edition of your local newspaper. I often wonder: is there any good left out there in the world?

Deep down inside, I know there is, but it rarely finds its way into the headlines. 

So, what should we do?

Here’s what we’re going to do. Are you ready? Here’s the plan: We’re going to look to Jesus.

Our world needs Jesus now, more than ever before!  

Do yourself a favor and play the video below and just listen to the words as I conclude my thoughts.

The first 2 verses of Hebrews 12 provide us additional context of the hope associated with looking unto Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) ¹Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

While I am surrounded by fear and uncertainty, I’m looking unto Jesus.

Even though the world seems to be full of hate and injustice, I’m looking unto Jesus.

In the midst of a challenging pandemic, I’m looking unto Jesus. 

Our kids are all having school, online, at home. But I’ll keep looking unto Jesus. (Like seriously on this one!)  

Unemployment. COVID-19. Church buildings being closed. Relationships enduring, never-before-seen stress. Racial tension. Protesting. Division in our country.  And the list goes on and on and on…

But no matter what, our response can’t change. It worked for Matthew, and it worked for Mark, and it will work for both you and I.  

Now, let’s continue together looking unto Jesus.

Nate has been a Support Advisor with Breeze since January 2020. In addition to working for Breeze, Nate is a full-time Pastor at The Hills church is rural Kentucky. He is happily married with three children, and has an amazing sneaker collection!