Much ink (physical and digital) has been spilled on the issue of the end of the world. Sadly it has been more “smoke” than “light.” People have a fascination with the End, perhaps a morbid fear that takes hold of them. I don’t say that judgmentally, I too wonder if the things that are happening are signs that the end is soon.
The truth is we have no idea when the last day will be. And for all the work people have done to prove that President Obama, former-President Bush, Saddam Hussein, and many others are “the abomination of desolation,” or the Antichrist, we’re still here.
Can we look at the world and see signs of the End? Sure. War? Check. Rumors of war? Check. Earthquakes? Check. Famines? Check. Persecutions? Check.
So what do we do with that? What do we do knowing that the end is coming, but not knowing exactly when?
Jesus warns us to, “Stay awake.” Don’t get cozy in this world and zone. See things for what they really are. That doesn’t mean that we understand that this person or that person is the one who is going to unleash the Beast on the world, but we see that this is a lost and broken world. There is spiritual danger all around us. There are people who are separated from God and going to Hell, and we are here with a word – the Word – that gives life, hope, and salvation!
We are Jesus’ witnesses, and we will share the message of Jesus when circumstances are comfortable, and when they are hard and dangerous. Stay awake! This is not our home, and we are here to deliver the message that will rescue people from Hell and deliver them into Heaven when the End comes. . . because, yes, it is coming.
But even in the work of being Jesus witnesses God shows us His grace and compassion. Jesus says, “do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” I believe this might be the least trusted promise God gives His people! (With the possible exception of His promises regarding tithing.)
So if we’re not going to be anxious before hand, what will we do? We will spend time with the One who sends us. We will focus on Jesus, and let His Holy Spirit fill us, prepare us, and equip us for that day. We will read the Word and pray. We will remember Baptism and strive to live in grace. We will receive the Lord’s Supper and worship the Giver.
All of this amounts to being with Jesus, enjoying His company and receiving His love so that His presence and love guides us in the moments when we stand in the spotlight (or on the chopping block!) so that we can lovingly and confidently declare the hope we have in Him.
Don’t worry about the End. It will come, thank God! Walk with Jesus and share His message until it comes.
The truth is we have no idea when the last day will be. And for all the work people have done to prove that President Obama, former-President Bush, Saddam Hussein, and many others are “the abomination of desolation,” or the Antichrist, we’re still here.
Can we look at the world and see signs of the End? Sure. War? Check. Rumors of war? Check. Earthquakes? Check. Famines? Check. Persecutions? Check.
So what do we do with that? What do we do knowing that the end is coming, but not knowing exactly when?
Jesus warns us to, “Stay awake.” Don’t get cozy in this world and zone. See things for what they really are. That doesn’t mean that we understand that this person or that person is the one who is going to unleash the Beast on the world, but we see that this is a lost and broken world. There is spiritual danger all around us. There are people who are separated from God and going to Hell, and we are here with a word – the Word – that gives life, hope, and salvation!
We are Jesus’ witnesses, and we will share the message of Jesus when circumstances are comfortable, and when they are hard and dangerous. Stay awake! This is not our home, and we are here to deliver the message that will rescue people from Hell and deliver them into Heaven when the End comes. . . because, yes, it is coming.
But even in the work of being Jesus witnesses God shows us His grace and compassion. Jesus says, “do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” I believe this might be the least trusted promise God gives His people! (With the possible exception of His promises regarding tithing.)
So if we’re not going to be anxious before hand, what will we do? We will spend time with the One who sends us. We will focus on Jesus, and let His Holy Spirit fill us, prepare us, and equip us for that day. We will read the Word and pray. We will remember Baptism and strive to live in grace. We will receive the Lord’s Supper and worship the Giver.
All of this amounts to being with Jesus, enjoying His company and receiving His love so that His presence and love guides us in the moments when we stand in the spotlight (or on the chopping block!) so that we can lovingly and confidently declare the hope we have in Him.
Don’t worry about the End. It will come, thank God! Walk with Jesus and share His message until it comes.
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