What if we could see 35 years into the future? I wonder what that would look like for most of us. For me personally, that would mean I had lived a very long life, because I would be 102 years old. And if that were the case, how would things be different than we know them today? Realistically, it’s hard to even imagine, because the rate of change in our world today is almost impossible to keep up with. With the advent of AI (artificial intelligence) and the lightning-fast advancements occurring on a daily basis, I’m not sure we could fathom what 35 years from now would look like.
To be honest with you, my eyes aren’t fixed on 35 years down the road; my eyes are fixed on our Lord’s return to catch His bride away. I might add that this fixation is on a day-by-day basis, because I truly believe, based upon Scripture, that He could return at any moment.
But back to the idea of proposing things in the future ... I am reminded of a book that was written in 1949 entitled “1984,” by George Orwell. In this novel, Orwell proposed a seemingly utopian society that turned out to be nothing less than a dystopian, totalitarian society governed by a manipulating, dictating, overreaching government known as “The Party.” Its main goal was to desensitize as well as depersonalize all of society, basically turning people into robots who displayed blind loyalty to “The Party.” They achieved this through constant monitoring and surveillance. No matter where you were, you were being watched. In fact, it’s where we get the phrase, “Big Brother is watching you,” with the cover of the book displaying the human eye.
Though Orwell’s writing is only a novel, it’s amazing—and eerily prophetic—how the book has turned out to be. Thankfully, we’re not totally there yet, but I personally believe it’s where society is headed. Think about it: the world has been inundated by AI technology, from smart phones to smart televisions, to smart kitchen appliances, to smart vehicles that can drive you down the highway and park when you get there. While these things may seem “convenient,” they have the potential to dangerously desensitize and depersonalize society at a dangerous pace—one might even describe it as “a very slippery slope.” Take, for instance, the recent acknowledgment of hackers being able to tap into a Ring camera, as well as a robot vacuum cleaner, and take pictures of activities within the home or even carry on conversations. It’s a frightening thought that the same could possibly be done with our phones, TVs, and computers, and yet that’s where we are. I personally believe this Orwellian scene will play out during the tribulation period, or the seven-year time frame when the wrath of God will be poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth.
While this scenario seems unsettling, I’m thankful to tell you there is someone else who has His eye on us. Consider what the Word of God tells us:
Matthew 10:26-31 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Psalm 121:8 “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
With this kind of good news, I’ve determined not to fret over temporary scenarios such as those in Orwell’s classic, because I’m looking anxiously for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! And by the way, I’m thankful to tell you that He is not only watching us but watching over us, ever living to make intercession on our behalf. While the worldly systems are designed to bring dread and fear, the Lord brings us exciting news that He’s got His eye on us—and He’s coming soon to gather us unto Himself!
Be encouraged today, my friend, and have a wonderful day!