Good morning, We hear plenty of disturbing news every day. But do you ever think about the news we don’t hear? That can be even more troubling. We hear about the work of Congress in Washington, political developments in other nations, and the course of various wars. But once in a while we get a glimpse of what’s going on behind the scenes with reports of secret negotiations, terrorist plots, and catastrophes narrowly avoided. It’s not just scary to think of what we know, but of all the things we don’t know. If that were not enough to terrify, the Apostle Paul warns that our greatest enemies are the spiritual ones. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Satan and his forces are not content with causing suffering and heartache here on earth, they want all people to suffer eternal death with them in the fire of hell. If we are not even aware of all the dangers behind the scenes, we have zero chance of surviving on our own. But we are not alone. Last Thursday we celebrated Jesus’ victorious ascension to the Father’s right hand. It wasn’t merely a symbolic act. Jesus ascended to reclaim the full use of His power and glory. “God seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church” (Eph. 1:20-22). We don’t have to lose sleep over behind-the-scenes intrigues and threats to our wellbeing. The ascended Lord is not only aware, but in complete control. “Why do the nations conspire?...The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” (Ps. 2:1,4). We don’t have to fear the devil’s schemes. Jesus crushed the serpent’s head. “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Col. 2:15). We don’t have to fret about all the things we don’t know. Today let’s focus on what we do know. Jesus has overcome sin and death for us. He rules at the right hand of the Father and promises, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov. 18:10). Yours in Christ, Pastor Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. and Bible class at 9:30 a.m.
