THE END IS NEAR…ish

Let’s preface by praying for Israel: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace, mercy, and love. We praise You for Your creation, Your power, and most of all for all of Your kept promises. As Your Word says in Deuteronomy “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (31:8) we ask that You be with each and every one of Your precious people around the world, but especially in Israel. Help them to remember that You are always with them, and please Lord remember Your promise to never forsake them. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Lots of people are speculating that Jesus is coming back soon, pointing to the events in and regarding Israel. My social media platforms are all inundated with people insisting Jesus is coming back any day now. On one hand, I believe that He can and may come back as soon as today. I certainly pray I am ready if He does! Moreover, I earnestly pray that all my loved ones are ready as well. 

It does bear considering that the Bible tells us,  “…beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬) So, as much as I am looking forward to eternity with our Lord…it might still be a little bit before He comes back to secure His final victory over satan and all evil. Again, if Jesus comes back today, I am not going to complain - I am ready to rejoice! We should all be looking forward to heaven with joy, and hope for once we get there we will cry no more tears, feel no more pain, suffer no more trials!!! Glory be to God!!!!

Let’s get back to the end of this world, before we continue speculating about the world to come…

In the Nee Testament, Mark 13:3-27, Matthew 24:3-31, and Luke 21:7-28 all tell us of the signs that Jesus described as the beginning of the great tribulation. The beginning of the end times…but He doesn’t say exactly how long these end times will last. In fact, in Matthew 24:36 Jesus reminds us that, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” 

Let’s do some crude math (I’m not a theologian or a mathematician so give me some grace here pretty please!). We are living in the year of our Lord 2025. We know, from what biblical scholars (so much smarter than me!) have explained, that Jesus was 33 years old when He was brutally, publicly, (government sanctioned) murdered for our sins. That means it has not quite been 2,000 years since He resurrected and ascended. With our 2P3:8 math, it’s not even been 2 days since He went up to heaven. 

I picture one of two scenarios when I really think about this.

First being Jesus in heaven, watching our sin broken world spiraling downward so fast, turning to the Father saying, “Now, Abba? Now can I go finish this?” And God, looking like the patient, compassionate Father that He is, slowly shaking His head and replying, “Not yet, My Son.”

The other possibility I imagine is all the angels gearing up like Marines ready to be deployed, looking back and forth between God the Father and God the Son, not daring to ask but the question on their faces, ‘Perhaps it is time?’ And Jesus, in the same tone He often asked the disciples about their lack of faith, looks at them and says, “I just got back here. It’s been like, not even two days guys.” 

I have no doubt that neither of these is accurate. However, I think sometimes having pictures of what might be happening in heaven helps us with our hope, our joy, and our faith. 

Many people are wondering: What if we are entering into the end times? What if we’ve already begun the great tribulation? And many of anxious “what if” speculations.

Let me ask you a couple questions better questions: Are you prepared for the end times? Have you gotten yourself into an active, humble, repentant, intimate relationship with God? 

If you can answer yes to both of those questions, then my dear brothers and sisters in Christ you have nothing to fear. I will leave you with some more reminders from God’s Word. Please pray on them. Maybe write them on a sticky note and post them around your house. Better yet, memorize them so they are hidden in your heart - that way when the enemy tries to tell you to be scared you can replace his lies with God’s truth. 

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬

Always Remember: 

• God is always with you. 

• Pray without ceasing - giving God praise in all things.

• Live your faith; be the blessing.