When the News Makes You Say “Come, Jesus”

After watching a news program this week that pretty much just highlighted the evil, hatred, and chaos in the world, I literally said out loud, “Just come, Jesus.”

Meaning, in that moment, I felt ready for this world to be over and for Jesus to return to bring judgment.

Immediately after I thought that, I was convicted. Was I really wanting to call it quits on this earth—and go ahead and send people to hell? The Lord then proceeded to gut my heart’s intention like a fish.

“Really, Bethany? You want to just go ahead and send people to hell without giving them a chance to know Jesus?”

Conviction: My Heart’s “Sons of Thunder” Moment

My own response reminded me of a scene in The Chosen where James and John (the Sons of Thunder) wanted to send down fire on the Samaritans. Jesus called them out for their selfish hearts. 

The Sons of Thunder are Born (The Chosen Scene)

That scene gets me every time—because I responded just like James and John did. And God was so good to immediately convict me of my selfishness and to remind me that I am no better and no more valuable than the human beings I see in my news reels.

From Judgment to Service: God Softens My Heart

God is so good to not only convict us when our hearts get out of alignment with Him, but also to restore us to Him and His will.

After repenting of my negative attitude, God prompted my heart to get out of my suburban bubble and go serve others—specifically, people not like me. People with different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences.

God is calling my heart to lean into serving others I wouldn’t naturally be friends with so that my heart will soften for all of God’s creation, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.

Yet again, He reminds me to focus on transforming my own heart before I go judging and condemning the actions of others. He is so good at burning off my pride, selfishness, and ego. It can feel painful in the moment, but if I want to live an abundant life—no matter the circumstances or the state of the world—it’s necessary that the fleshly parts of me die off. 

The Daily Call of Sanctification

And I think that’s the whole point of the sanctification process (becoming more like Jesus) for a believer.

We are to worship and focus on who God is. Then we die to ourselves daily and ask Him to change our hearts. Only then can we respond more like Jesus as we engage with others.

Considering my original lament over where the world is heading, God reminds me that I need to be transformed daily by the renewal of my mind. That’s the only way I can discern God’s will in how to love and serve others—all others.

To be the salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), offering a visible and tangible encounter of how Jesus can save and change us.

Renewing My Mind to Love Others

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” ~ Romans 12:2

So instead of asking Jesus to come to earth today and smite all evil, I will ask Him daily to renew my mind and heart, and to show me His will for how to love and serve others through every interaction.

This daily renewal isn’t passive—it’s the way God equips us to be His hands and feet in a hurting world. 

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Renew Your Mind and Heart!

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” ~ Romans 12:2

Theme Song: 

Jeremy Camp - No Survivors (Official Lyric Video)

References Used:

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.