There is increasing talk among TV ministries and social media concerning the end times. Too much of it is just that - talk. Unfortunately, this talk does reference Scripture, but in a manner that attempts to claim authority that the Scripture just does not allow. Should you read or hear one calling for a time when God will act, or attempts to narrow the end into the next few years, proceed with the utmost caution. History is replete with the unfortunate actions of those disappointed by such bold end times prophecies.
We have not been left completely in the dark on this subject, but it is still one that demands we approach it humbling, admitting that we are not given specifics, I believe this is so we do not suspend our work in building the Kingdom. We have a proclivity to do that. There are too many examples of cult leaders taking his group to the mountains to await the Second Advent, or mass suicides when it does not occur, all of which hurt the name of the church universal. No, we are to continue to speak truth to a dead and dying world, a world that is dead spiritually, and dying physically. The answer to the world is not the end, but the new beginning in Christ Jesus.I am convinced this is why the Lord Jesus told us, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)
This is not to say the Bible leaves us without clues, When it comes to the last days, however, it tells us less than it does in other areas of knowledge. Still, it provides telling warnings that we are to look for, Here are a few:
Joel 2:28-32
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
Matthew 24:7
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:25
And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 Timothy 3:1-5
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Peter 3:3-4
Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Upon reading these, you will, no doubt, determine we are in the last days. You would be correct. You should know, too, what was said by Christ’s early the disciples in regard to their time. John the Beloved said, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.” (I John 2:18) The Apostle Paul said, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11) Are we nearer now? Of course! Still, based upon their understanding of the times, we should tread humbly in our understanding.
After all this, what should we say and do? Has our duty to our Lord changed in the least? Not at all. We are to proclaim the Good News. Proclaiming the Gospel was Jesus’ last command to His disciples, followed by, “...surely I am with you always.” (Mark 16:15) There is little value to a lost and dying world to stand on a street corner wearing a sandwich board proclaiming “The End is Near.” How much better to declare along with Paul, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
What do you believe will be more pleasing to our Lord, more fitting for our talents, to sit and trim the wicks of our lanterns preparing for His return, our shining the Light of the World into the darkness? Yes, the end is near. Stop listening to those who claim to know when, Stop letting the knowledge of it cripple your service. Recognize the times and determine to make the most of what is left. We know time is short and that is all we have been told. Let us work as the Spirit desires and be found working when He returns!
No comments:
Post a Comment