Stop to ask yourself how many times you have read this verse, and it never registered with you. It may not be important to us, but it is very important to Jesus when he first said it. Christ had just been discussing the necessity of persistence in prayer life. He followed that thought with a question that was rhetorical or, in other words, he was thinking out loud. He knew after his crucifixion there would be a time lapse between his ascension and his return to earth. He wondered if there really would be people of faith to greet him.
We already know that Jesus created the church. We know that he charged his disciples and eventually us in the modern era with the responsibility for spreading the good news of salvation. The question he asked is extremely important for us today. It lays the groundwork for how we will function individually, in our families, and in the church. What does God’s people hold as most important in following his Commission?
The question of our text bears repeating: shall he find faith on the earth? In the history of our own nation a small amount of research will tell us how badly we have slipped away from being obedient and bearing faith. The great colleges and universities were originally founded as seminaries to teach coming young ministers. Now they are halls of debate and doubt. They have expanded their curriculum way beyond the purpose of their original founding.
Then look at the churches that were once sacrificially dedicated to serving the Lord. The Methodist churches have as part of their history circuit riding preachers. Ministers would ride horses over great expanses to preach and otherwise serve the spiritual needs of people. Now that church has split over the debate about homosexuality being blatantly recognized in services.
When we look back to the scriptures, there was great injustice in the realm of society such as slavery. However, the Bible does not address those because the most important thing was the gospel. The thinking was if a person truly was serving Christ, he would do what was right to his fellow man as led by the Holy Spirit without making a particular campaign against all society’s wrongs.
This is the evening of Election Day across America. Because of the results, some people will be gravely disappointed because of the likelihood that conservative advances in society could be reversed. We must go back to the question that Jesus asked if there would be faith on the earth when he returns. He did not ask if the right people were elected by our individual preferences. His only concern was faith.
Likewise, that should be our concern, as well. Perhaps it is that we don’t understand this verse when Jesus talked about faith. He was not talking about church attendance or serving in the church. He was singularly talking about faith; a full complete submission and dedication to God’s leadership in our separate lives.
In addition, this short question brings forth perhaps the most important issue. Are we living seriously with the expectation and hope that Jesus will come soon? When he returns, what condition will he find in the hearts of those who claim to be believers? Christ is most interested in us living out our faith. Considering the results of this election, our faith must be anchored in the Lord more than ever.
Another thought before us Is for prophecy to be fulfilled all encumbrances must be removed on the world stage. I am convinced that America must shrink in its influence over world affairs so that after the rapture the Antichrist will be able to step on to the stage as a great leader. As a side note, after studying prophecy, I do believe that the Antichrist will come from Syria. With America shrinking and the Middle East growing stronger, the opportunity for that terrible, evil leader will be available.
Avoid thinking that this election results is a terrible thing. Allow me to encourage you that it is another one of those signs that Jesus will be coming soon because America will become debilitated when the rapture happens. Rejoice with me that God is not only in charge, but he is publicly working in the affairs of this world. Back to the question of Jesus. The only way to answer that question is for every one of us who claim to be believers to grow spiritually and be grounded in faith like never before.
