the end is nigh!...?

There are many theories and ideas about how and when the world will end.  Will it be an environmental cataclysm, world war 3, the eventual destruction of the sun, even alien invasion.

For some people who profess Jesus as real these theories include his return and associated with the various apocalyptic visions of the bible's book of Revelation, among others.  The nation of Israel is also normally included into the theory.  Will people who believe in Jesus be taken to heaven before the disasters?  Or not.

People have been trying to predict the end of our world for generations, and for followers of Christ, since his death and resurrection.  Even before.

How?  Some read the scriptures and present a series of literal events.  Others may then take these passages and interpret them through what they see happening around them or expect to happen.  Others look at world events and seek biblical passages to 'match them'.

It is natural for us to see patterns in our world.  Doing so helps us make sense of an otherwise confusing and sometimes overwhelming life.   It is often difficult not to.

But is it wise?  Is it wise to see the world, see other people, indeed live our lives this way? How does living like this cause us to treat people?  Indeed ...

Why are we told that we will not know when Jesus will return (Mat 24)?  To be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Should we be eager for the end?

What was Jesus' focus?

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danger of false teachers

“Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict everyone of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Enoch as quoted by Jude)

In the church there are people who will try to convince you that God allows us to live immoral lives.  Their argument is since God is all loving and forgiving, he will not allow anyone to perish.

Yet, according to the writings of Jude 1, these people deny Jesus Christ. How?
On the one hand they claim to know God by the revelations they talk about. While on the other hand, they

• live immorally, defy authority, and scoff at things they don't understand
• grumble and complain
• brag about themselves
• flatter others to get what they want
• live only to satisfy their own desires

It is through this contradictory lifestyle they try to convince you. "I call myself a Christian, a church-goer, but am not prepared to live as a child of God."

remember

• Jesus rescued Israel from Egypt, but later destroyed people who didn't remain faithful
• The angels who didn't stay within the limits of the authority God gave were imprisoned
• Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns were destroyed for their immoral living as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment

beware
When someone claims to know God but lives for themselves they will not only bring destruction upon themselves.  To merely be around them, even at a church worship service could, if you are not vigilant cause you too to stumble.

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whose revelation?

It is essential we always start with God and end with him.  But all too often, people, myself included are so enthusiastic that we start acting before we have sought him.

What does this mean?  Basically, God was at work before we arrived and will still be even once we have left.  Also, it his his will, his heart, his ways, his character, etc that we need to pursue and discover agreement to.  Easy?  Not always.  We are so used to living in ways that are familiar, safe, and make sense, that we forget to start with him.  Often we only do this after we have started acting and then seek him to confirm or justify what we are doing.  I know I have and still do.

revelation           ...the act of revealing or making something known
interpretation    ...the act of explaining something
application         ...to bring into action

So, while we cannot afford to withdraw into endless prayer and contemplation, we must shift our gaze, and change our approach to him.

God is always making himself known (revelation) ... so seek ... knock ... look ... listen

He is never hidden

The question is then since God is always revealing himself, stand back and allow Him to explain himself.  I am learning, and yes I am a slow learner, to ask him questions like "why", or "what is your heart" etc.  Doing so helps bring light to the world around me and in me

As a result, acting often becomes simple.  Easy?  Didn't say that.  But simple, clear... copy him or don't.  Get it perfect?  Maybe...

Let us give it a go.

Let us ask him to reveal himself.  Either in a part of his written word.  In a part of your walk with him in which we struggle.  Or from a blank slate, that is, be open to anything.  Then ask him to explain.

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