The End is Near: Prepare for the Future

I’ve read so many posts and blogs and other things that proclaim the end or the beginning of the end of the world as we know, or even just of the country as we know it. There’s wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6), morality slowly disappearing in the name of (false) justice. People are angry at their leaders, leaders are demanding of their people, riots, tragedies, terrorism, prejudice… the list goes on.

There is always trouble in the world and no doubt there are things happening now that mirror the situations spelled out in the Bible when the end times were explained. Read Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and everything from John. Is it time to panic yet?

Truly, all along, in times of peace or war, famine, plague, or health, we should be prepared for the Lord. Whether angry or hurt, happy or prospering, we should be loving and living the gospel. Yes, we may be closer to the foretold times of tribulation, but Jesus didn’t say ‘Do what you want until I give the sign, then be nice.’ He said to love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). He also said to proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15) and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). We know not the hour, but only the Father in heaven knows (Matthew 24:36).

Each person’s time, each person’s personal end may come at any unknown time. Even the world’s end may come at an unknown time, though the signs are growing. Let us live wisely, love as though it may be the only love your neighbor may experience, and be at peace and carry on as though you have a future ahead of you and you must be prudent with your life so as to make a positive mark for those after you.

Let’s not panic but trust in the Lord, standing firm in our faith that He pierces the hearts of men (and women) and knows what’s best for each of us (Hebrews 4:12-13). If our neighbor sins against us, we should forgive our neighbor (Mark 11:25), but be wary not to be susceptible again. There is one Judge and One who can condemn, and it’s not us. Vengence is His alone (Romans 12:19). Let us not confuse tolerance for love, but let us go about that with peace, calling on the sin and still loving the sinner. And when our words are not accepted, we can wipe the dust from our shoes and move on (Luke 9:5).

These may be the hardest times ahead of us, but we will have to wait on the Lord for His time and ways are greater than ours (Isaiah 55:9). We should continue to live on as followers of Christ, be in the place He has put us and seek His will for us daily. Watch for Christ as we live our lives. Be wary not to buy into too many interpretations of the scriptures (2 Peter 1:20) that make false promises. Continue to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15) and continue to watch. Jesus was adamant about this. Watch. (Matthew 24:42-44)