The conflict between Israel and Iran has brought the issue of nuclear proliferation into sharp focus. Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons on earth. One can destroy a whole city, potentially killing millions, and jeopardizing the natural environment and lives of future generations through its long-term catastrophic effects. The dangers from such weapons arise from their very existence. There are about 13,400 in our world today and there have been over 2,000 nuclear tests. Iran and North Korea are seeking to develop nuclear weapons. It all makes the world a very dangerous place.

Nuclear weapons can destroy all life on earth. Jesus spoke about the end of history: “Watch out that no one deceives you. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Jesus also spoke of his Second Coming at the end: “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” The words of Jesus emphasise that God is the Lord of history. At the beginning of time, he created the heavens and the earth and when he has accomplished all his gracious purposes he will bring history to an end.

Knowing God through his Son Jesus is so important in times of distress in the world or in our personal lives. We all experience anxiety and fear not only for ourselves but also for our children and their children. Psalm 46 encourages us to trust in God: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”