Wars and Rumors of Wars

“Wars and rumors of wars” Thousands of residents in Iceland have been urged to evacuate as authorities anticipate the imminent eruption of a volcano on its southwestern peninsula. Roads have already been damaged as a result of around nine hundred earthquakes in the area; toxic fumes are a threat as well. Meanwhile, the United Nations now estimates that the global drug problem affects approximately 275 million people. Here’s one frightening dimension: the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of a rapidly growing practice it calls “polysubstance use.” Over the last three years, studies of people addicted to opioids have consistently shown that 70 to 80 percent also take other illicit substances. “It’s no longer an opioid epidemic,” according to one health expert. “This is an addiction crisis.” Then there’s Ukraine, whose counteroffensive against Russia is going so poorly that authorities are considering dismissing three commanders of the armed forces. And China: Xi Jinping is meeting with President Biden today amidst rising tensions between the world’s two superpowers over Iran, Israel, Taiwan, export controls, and economic challenges. A recent study concluded that the number, intensity, and length of conflicts worldwide is at its highest level since before the end of the Cold War. Remembering Jesus’ reference to “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6), it’s not hard to wonder how much longer the world can continue like this.