Restless Rumors

Rumors can be relentless and can drive us to restlessness. This is why it is imperative to listen to the Lord. The shifting sentiment of society is unpredictable, but God is the same. Rumors are the sport of people with too much time on their hands. They are the economic driver for some industries like the media, but do not be deceived or distracted by it.

The discerning choose to outright reject rumors or selectively listen only to the soft murmur of truth that may be represented. Jesus said we would become a rumor-crazed culture in the last days. “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Mark 16:7).

There are rumors of possible terrorist attacks. There are rumors of government corruption. There are rumors of someone’s infidelity. There are rumors of lay offs. There are rumors of job creations. There are rumors of mass firings. There are rumors of mergers. There are rumors of forced retirement. There are rumors that God is dead. Rumors relentlessly rain down on us creating fear and worry.

We seem to enjoy rumors because they are tantalizing to the tongue. We want to know the juicy details, even though it is none of our business. Rumors feed our pride, and get us focused on issues which are either out of our control or even non-existent. Instead, rest in the “rumor” of Christ’s return. Though we do not know the day or hour, we can prepare for His glorious return.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come” (Mark 13:32-33).

Your conscience can be clear while you wait for the Lord’s return. He may return today, tomorrow or in the distant future. It is contingent on fulfilled prophecy and ultimately it is at God’s discretion. But you can rest in the reassurance of Christ’s return. Indeed, His imminent return has been rumored to be going to happen over the past 2,000 years. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8).

The Lord’s return is a righteous rumor that will occur. When other worthless rumors assail you, rest in the certainty of Christ’s return. Be ready for Him. Live like He might come tomorrow. Spend your money and time in preparation of the return of our reigning King Jesus. Rest in the Lord, not restless rumors. Be ready for the rumor of His return.

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44).

Do I live as if the Lord’s return is imminent? Do I rest in Him in spite of other rumors?

Related Readings: Luke 21:9; 1 Timothy 1:4; Revelation 20:4

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God