Signs of the End Times
Surely the day is coming; See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.
We command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive. (Mal 4:1,5; 2Thess 3:6)
The year is ending. Yes, in just two weeks time we begin the new Church Year with the Advent season. This season provokes messages about the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in addition to reflecting on His First Coming into the world as a human being. The Bible is littered with texts about the End Times with the purpose of warning and exciting people to prepare and look forward to that Day. But what really are the End Times? There will be a rapture, then tribulation, then judgment. This subject receives a lot of attention from from debators, but this is not the space to enter that discussion. What is real for all of us is that our earthly lives are not for ever – we must transition through death to eternal life; believers in Jesus Christ will enter eternal fellowship with God.
Some of the Prophets spoke about the signs of the end times; Paul taught through his letters about this subject; even Jesus Christ spoke about it extensively in response to his disciples’ questions. Today’s generations still ask and ask what the signs will be. But why is there such interest in the signs of the End Times? Are you the kind that postpones repentance so that you ‘enjoy life’ today hoping to repent just before you die? If you realized the End is coming early next year before you finish your course, would you continue reading and doing exams? Or would you continue with your wedding plans, or your business project? Or how would that affect your faith, devotion and Christian service?
Well, there are signs today that the End is near. A detailed analysis of the happenings in Jerusalem, wars around the world, and technological advances will correlate them the the signs prophesied ages ago. And, as Malachi write, ‘Surely the day is coming!’ As we read the signs, it is important to remember what Jesus Christ taught us regarding the exact day and hour: ‘So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of My return… Don't let that day catch you unaware.’ (Matt 25:13, Luke 21:34 NLT). No one knows the exact day of the Lord’s return, yet we know surely that that day will come.
Paul gathered news that some Thessalonians were relaxing on work and their daily responsibilities, waiting for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. In his second letter, Paul gives hot warnings against those people and encouraged all not only to work hard but also to shun and avoid the idle and lazy people. The lesson remains for us today who live in the age of innovation, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving; while we live as faithful believers ready for His coming anytime, let us live as responsible stewards of the time and resources God has given us. God bless you!