As we reflect on the events of 2024, it is clear the world is facing numerous challenges. In 2024, the world has witnessed a significant surge in conflicts and crises, leading to widespread suffering and instability. Geopolitical tensions escalated, with conflicts intensifying in various regions. 

The Middle East, in particular, has experienced devastating turmoil and significant reordering causing immense human suffering and displacement. In Europe, the war in Ukraine continues to cause significant human and economic losses, with geopolitical tensions rising. Some parts of Africa are also grappling with conflicts that have displaced millions and led to alarming hunger levels. According to a UN report, the number of people forced to flee their homes globally due to conflict and persecution reached nearly 123 million by mid-2024, underscoring the severity of global displacement.

2024 was indeed a year of turmoil in which new conflicts erupted, existing crises escalated, and climate-fueled disasters increased in frequency and severity. These challenges forced hundreds of thousands to flee violence, leaving many in prolonged exile without safe prospects for returning home. In the midst of all these, global, economic instability persisted, with rising inflation and financial stress impacting both developed and developing nations.

The convergence of these factors—conflicts, political upheaval, economic instability, climate-fueled disasters, and technological disruptions—fueled a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty worldwide. 

In the face of such global turmoil and uncertainty, the message of hope offered by Jesus and the Kingdom of God He ushers in becomes ever more essential. In the beginning, humanity enjoyed a harmonious relationship with God, living under His sovereign rule in Paradise. However, humanity’s decision to rebel against God’s rule led to a departure from pursuing God’s will, as humans began to define good and evil on their own terms. This rebellion introduced sin and disorder into the world, disrupting the harmony of creation.

Over the millennia, as humans gained the freedom to govern themselves without God, we have harnessed extraordinary economic and technological power for our own selfish gain. However, like previous years, 2024 has clearly demonstrated the limitations of human governance and the utter bankruptcy of the human race. 

No doubt, humanity has achieved remarkable advancements: developing artificial intelligence, producing potent drugs, enhancing food cultivation, building powerful empires, and amassing vast wealth. Yet, we remain unable to resolve persistent global issues such as war, climate crisis, misery, despair, injustice, and suffering. Our dominion over Earth has yielded little hope for our species.

Despite progress across various fields, our efforts to establish lasting peace and justice have fallen short. Wars, economic disparities, injustice, and moral decay continue to afflict societies worldwide. As I noted in my book Homo Novus: A Brief His-story of Tomorrow:

Today, we can afford to go to space, but we cannot boast of a peaceful home to go to; we produce more food but have less healthy strains for our consumption; we have more but enjoy less; we are wealthier but not healthier; we are smarter but not wiser.

In light of these challenges, there is still a possibility of finding hope. Jesus paid the ultimate price to mend our fractured relationship with God and to re-establish God’s Kingdom on earth. He invites everyone to embrace this Kingdom and be part of the transformative movement that seeks to align with God’s will. 

Jesus foretold a time when He would return to finally re-establish God’s Kingdom on earth, replacing the unjust governments of this world, and ushering in an era of everlasting peace, justice, and security for all. And God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning (Revelation 21:4). This promise offers profound hope amid current global chaos. 

As we step into the new year, may we open our hearts to the possibilities that come with a renewed relationship with God, knowing that through Jesus, we can begin anew.