If the premise of the movie 2012 is correct, then we have less than 12 months to live. Our world will come to a catastrophic end on December 21 of this year—the day when the ancient Mayan calendar officially expires. Yeah, right . . .
Christians in every generation have believed that Jesus would come back in their lifetime because they saw the “signs” in their day (Luke 21:7): wars and insurrections, great earthquakes and tsunamis, famines and plagues, and never-been-seen-before terrifying disasters (Luke 21:9-11). Believers in Jesus throughout the ages have also been severely persecuted (Luke 21:12).
With the worldwide events occurring today, it may seem that there is even a greater frequency and intensity of “signs” than ever before. You might be thinking, Surely these are signs that the end is near.
Instead of giving the disciples a specific time, however, Jesus gave a warning: “Don’t let anyone mislead you . . . . saying, ‘The time has come!’ ” (Luke 21:8). “Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately” (Luke 21:9). But we are commanded not to “let that day catch you unaware” (Luke 21:34), but to “keep alert at all times” (Luke 21:36).
Jesus will return (Luke 21:35). When? We can’t know. Only the Father knows (Mark 13:32-33). Is it near? Yes, it is nearer now than it was yesterday (Romans 13:11-12). Imminent? The Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (Luke 21:34-35; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4). Soon? Perhaps today.
So what now? Jesus tells us to make use of the opportunity that has come with the increased interest about the end of the world. “But this will be your opportunity to tell them about Me,” Jesus reminded us (Luke 21:13). “For the Good News must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:9-10; see also Matthew 24:14).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 1:1-2:3
More:
In light of Jesus’ imminent return, how should you live? (Romans 13:11-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, and 2 Peter 3:3-15).
Next:
Jesus reminded us that these “last days” provide an opportunity for us to tell others about Him (Luke 21:13). How will you share the good news with others this week?
kram4mark on January 1, 2012 at 8:44 am
It’s not when we should be worried about but are we ready for Christs return.
dabac on January 2, 2012 at 7:53 am
I read a lot about those passages you mentioned that they don’t refer to the end of the world, but the destruction of the temple AD 70.
“For the Good News must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:9-10; see also Matthew 24:14)
Some authors say that the Good news was already preached in Paul’s time, before destruction of temple.
One of the sources:
Steve Kinnard: “The crowning of the King”,
pg 229, regarding Matthew 24:9-14:
“The whole world would hear the proclamation of the kingdom before the end (of the temple) would come. According to Paul, the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven in his lifetime (Col 1:23)”
What do you think of that view?
daisymarygoldr on January 6, 2012 at 2:29 pm
The destruction of the temple in AD 70 is not “the end”. The trampling of Jerusalem is not over until the time of the Gentiles comes to an end (Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2). The end of the world (Matthew 13:39; Revelation 14:14-16) is clearly associated with the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel was not only preached in the past, to every creature under heaven by the Apostles in their age; it is also being preached in the present to all nations by us, now in the 21st century; the preaching will continue in the future, during the tribulation period by saints, the two witnesses and the angel (Rev 7, 11, 14).
Bottom line: The Good News about the Kingdom must be preached throughout the whole world, “till the stars fall” (Matt 24:29) —and then the end will come.
mike wittmer on January 3, 2012 at 1:04 pm
It does seem like the world can’t last much longer, but it’s important to remember that there has always been reason to think that. Someday the end will come–which is actually a new beginning!
dabac on January 3, 2012 at 3:37 pm
I agree. If I were born in middle ages for example – or take a World War I or II, I would think to myself – this must be the end. However, it can be anytime. But when we die – it’s our individual judgement day.
winn collier on January 4, 2012 at 7:52 pm
N.T. Wright says “Believing that Jesus will return to put all things right is part of Christian humility.”