ODJ: end of the world?
January 1, 2012
This will be your opportunity to tell them about Me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations (Mark 13:9-10).
READ: Luke 21:5-19, 25-36
If the premise of the film 2012 is correct, then we have less than 12 months to live. Our world will come to a catastrophic end on 21st December of this year—the day when the ancient Mayan calendar officially expires. Yeah, right . . .
Christians in every generation have believed that Jesus would come back in their lifetime because they saw the “signs” in their day (Luke 21:7): wars and insurrections, great earthquakes and tsunamis, famines and plagues, and ‘never been seen before’ terrifying disasters (vv.9-11). Believers in Jesus throughout the ages have also been severely persecuted (v.12).
With the worldwide events occurring today, it may seem that there is even a greater frequency and intensity of “signs” than ever before. You might be thinking, Surely these are signs that the end is near.
Instead of giving the disciples a specific time, however, Jesus gave a warning: “Don’t let anyone mislead you . . . . saying, ‘The time has come!’ ” (v.8). “Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately” (v.9). We are commanded not to “let that day catch you unaware” (v.34), but to “keep alert at all times” (v.36).
Jesus will return (v.35). When? We can’t know. Only the Father knows (Mark 13:32-33). Is it near? Yes, it is nearer now than it was yesterday (Romans 13:11-12). Imminent? The Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (Luke 21:34-35; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4). Soon? Perhaps today.
So what now? Jesus tells us to make use of the opportunity that has come with the increased interest about the end of the world. “But this will be your opportunity to tell them about Me,” Jesus reminded us (Luke 21:13). “For the Good News must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:9-10; see also Matthew 24:14). —K.T. Sim
Jesus reminded us that these “last days” provide an opportunity for us to tell others about Him (Luke 21:13). How will you share the good news with others this week?
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