End time biblical prophecy is a fascinating and often controversial topic. According to various interpretations of scripture, the world has been in the "last days" for as long as I can remember and certainly much longer. From those who say Jesus has already returned to earth for the second time to those who are still waiting for him to arrive the first time, there are many views.
For the majority of Christians, the general belief is Jesus has been on earth once, and he will return again some day to collect those who believe in him. From denomination to denomination, opinions vary widely as to the specifics of his return, but self-proclaimed prophets have been trying to guess the date of his return for centuries. So far, even though many have predicted with great certainity the exact date, they have all been wrong. (Which is no great surprise because scripture says no one knows of that day and hour except God.)
One thing I do find interesting about this topic is that many believers seem to fear the fulfillment of prophecy. If prophetic words are leading to the return of Jesus, then shouldn't we embrace those teachings? Shouldn't it signal joy, rather than dread? (I remember hearing a preacher talk about "post-millennialists" and "pre-millennialists," regarding those who had different opinions about whether or not we would be around during the coming "tribulation," and his conclusion was he chose to be a "pan-millennialist." He believed everything was going to pan out in the end, so he was not going to worry, which makes sense to me.)
Someday, the world, as we know it, will come to an end. Maybe in my lifetime or yours, maybe not. But something I know for certain is this: The world comes to an end every day for many people who live and die never knowing they were loved because people who should have been showing compassion to them and loving them with the love of Jesus were too busy worrying about the end of the world.
Prophecy does not need be ignored, but it should also be kept in perspective. Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. . . ." (Matt. 6:34) Those who live their lives intently focused on end time prophecies miss countless, joyful opportunities to love and serve in the here and now.
"Sister Terry," I'm reluctant to venture a full comment on this topic. Forgive me if I hold back--that's not like the Ozark Uncle, is it? I'll just say that a grand-niece on FB asked a question today about "What was the best day of my life?" I responded that today was the best day, and if she were to ask me tomorrow, that that day would be the best day of my life.
ReplyDeleteThe Ozark Uncle thinks about "the end" virtually every day. But it's not a worry, just a motivation to keep his house in order as best he can.
One of the Ozark Uncle's faults is regret for some actions taken and some actions not taken. Now, as he enters his golden years, he's figured out what is important and regrets he didn't see it much earlier in life. At one time, his career was just about the only thing that mattered. He didn't love some people like he should have during that time.
Terry,
ReplyDeleteI have completely changed my perspective on the "last days", mainly because of intense biblical study and a willingness on my part to be open and not begin my studies with my mind already made up about certain things I was raised believing. I won't go into the details here. I just wanted to say that I loved the article and whole heartedly agree that we should look to the next age with total joy. I'm not sure of all the ramifications of the verse, but I think it was Peter who talked about "hastening" the coming of the Lord. No doubt, He is the prize and we will be like Him for we will see Him as He is! Also, I don't know you Ozark Uncle, but it seems to me you've got it pretty well figured out. None of us can un-ring a bell, but we can start from where we are and allow His return to be the motivation in our lives. Uh, I ramble.
Thanks, Ken. I always appreciate your encouragement and comments! I love your thoughts on your "best day."
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, to you too, Greg. I'm thinking you and I have had a similar "about face" in our thinking on this topic! Your observation about not beginning your studies with a mind "already made up about certain things" you were raised believing, is, I think a real key to getting a good perspective on this issue.
I've already encountered someone (via an email) who seems to think they have end time prophecies all figured out, and they don't seem too happy about what the end result will be. I think they are missing the point entirely; I'm with you -- I can't wait to see what's next!
enjoyed reading the entry and all the comments!
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