|
Speaking Of The End Times (Keep eyes focused on big picture) By Rick Kendall
With terrorist attacks lurking in the shadows, and lingering fragments of war threatening full-scale international battles, it seems that signs are everywhere speaking of the end times. It's true that the Bible is full of prophetic revelation concerning the things that will come on the face of the Earth, and it's fascinating to see how accurate Scripture is about the events that are unfolding today, even though the chapters and verses were written long ago. But it's also important to have proper perspective on these things, lest we get caught up in being bullied by circumstances in the world. Many people, even some of us Christians, might be missing the bigger picture by focusing on "what" is happening in the world, instead of grasping "why." In some churches, you might find preaching that indicates that "because the world is in such bad shape, Jesus is coming back soon, so you better get right with God quick or you'll be left behind!" Even though it's true that now is the time to anchor our lives in God's hands, the fact is: Jesus is not nervous or coming back out of a reaction to the shape of the world. Ephesians 5:27 says that Jesus is coming back for a glorious (healthy and vibrant) church. The first time he came, he died on a cross for the shape of the world. But the second time he comes back, it's to collect those who have joined him in overcoming the shape of the world. Sure, there are signs that things are leading to a major end-time showdown, but the goal is not destruction, but renovation. In Luke 21:25 and 26, it says that there will be signs in the sun, moon, stars, and on Earth; there will be distress of nations; and there will be some whose hearts fail them for fear as they focus on these cataclysmic events. But in Matthew 12:39, Jesus says an evil and adulterous people seek signs. Looking at the conditions of things in the Middle East or here in the United States to determine a sign of the times is like standing an inch from a giant billboard to grasp the full picture. Of course, there are confirmations and indicators of where we are in the bigger picture; but signs are only helpful if you know where you're going and why you're headed that way. The instability of governments, world resources and even the galaxies hanging above us can seek our attention to the point of distraction. But then, if we're distracted, perhaps we're on the wrong road and reading the signs with a fearful perspective. I love Psalm 23, which puts the focus on the big picture, strongly declaring (and this translation is mine): The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not fear, and even if I walk in the valley of the shadow of deadly situations, he's there with me, and he prepares a delicious table for me in the very presence of my enemies. Now that's a sure sign of stability in a shaky
sign-ridden world.
|
