I’ve never been one to get caught up in end-times speculation. Jesus’ second coming and the terrible tribulations that precede it get closer with every passing day, of course, but believers historically have not done particularly well interpreting the seasons, let alone the dates. That said, I look around at the world today and can’t help but wonder if we're feeling the early breezes of an apocalyptic front, the likes of which have never been.
One thing is for certain: Christ will return. And as that day marches unstoppably toward us, it seems to me we need to avoid two errors.
Jesus specifically warned us not to go about in spiritual oblivion. “Be careful,” he said, “or your hearts will
be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxiety of life, and that
day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” His advice?
“Watch.” Conversely, it is thought that some in the early church had quit their jobs, idly passing time as they waited for Jesus’ second coming. They were so focused on his return – and so convinced in its imminence – that they rendered themselves useless for their here and now.
I think the wisdom of Nehemiah applies here. Returning to Jerusalem from exile, his task at hand was to rebuild the wall around the city. But facing forceful opposition, Nehemiah struck a healthy balance of diligence and preparedness. Let’s read from his diary: “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked.”
So we remain focused on our calling, even as we remain ready for Jesus’ return. We don’t carry physical weapons, of course, so what does readiness look like for us? In Luke 21, he has told us: “Watch out that you are not deceived ... Do not be frightened ... Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves ... Be careful ... Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Oh, and one more thing. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
[The daily reading is Luke 21:25-38. To read Jesus’ discussion about the end times in Luke 21, click here.]
1 comment:
History tells us there have been many people who quit what they were doing because they thought Jesus's return was imminent. Also, many have been a part of disastrous results when they thought their actions could influence Jesus' return. Pop culture and politics have steered us off our course. Watch is a great reminder!
Post a Comment