If you would prefer to listen rather than read, you can copy and paste the link to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast below into your browser and listen for free on Podbean or your favourite streaming platform e.g. Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/the-end-times-embracing-the-call-to-love-and-purpose/

Before we start, I think I should warn you this blog may offend some people. I apologise to you now. I am writing some thoughts on a topic I feel needs addressing. You may or may not want to consider them and of course you don’t have to endorse them. However, I urge you to listen with an open mind.

I am often put off by messages of the end times. The dooms day prophets as I see them. Trying to terrify people into running away from society and giving their lives to Christ. I am not saying their motives of wanting to bring people to Jesus aren’t good. I am just not a fan of their methods.

These days anyone can have a platform. They can set up a website, facebook, tik tok, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram account easily. From here they shout their message of doom far and wide. Once someone starts watching or listening to these things online they end up in an AI bubble where their browser, and social media send them more messages on the same theme, reinforcing what they have heard.

As someone who has witnessed many iterations of the end times I am skeptical whenever I hear the latest version. From the the terror of a possible nuclear holocaust from the ‘50s onwards, to the current concerns about COVID 19 and the dire predictions of the economic system failing. I remember the Y2K hype, when governments and companies spent hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions, trying to avoid planes falling out of the sky and the electricity grid failing. Then there was the alarm about the end of the Mayan Calendar in 2012.

So far none of this has come to pass as predicted. However, many people have been fleeced of both hope and money. Sometimes their entire life savings. In some cases it has also effected their relationships

This has caused great fear and led many people to hunker down, digging in, turning their backs on society and looking after self, self and family alone, or sometimes includes church or other community of like minded people. They separate themselves and wait for the end. It has birthed a fatalistic mindset where people are unmotivated to do anything other than prepare, as they believe the end is imminent.

Sadly, it has encouraged people to to stop caring for and loving others outside of their select group because they believe these “others” are all going to burn. It has distracted many from their calling and their purpose. Many have forgotten the last words Jesus said on earth:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Jesus told us to get up, to go out and spread the gospel and disciple the nations of the earth. The Great Commission is impossible to accomplish if we are hiding away from society and waiting for the end to come.

My thoughts camp around what Jesus said:

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

Matthew 24:36 (NIV)

I have always seen the gospel as a message of exquisite love and grace. These are things I have experienced first hand. This contrasts starkly with prophecies of the end times and fire and brimstone.

I know that all scripture is God-breathed, however, I must admit I have avoided the book of Revelation at times as well as the heated arguments that surround it. I realise there are many theological viewpoints of this book. Some theologians say it happened when Jerusalem fell 2000 years ago, to it’s happening in a future date and of course there are people who believe it is happening right now. However, I don’t dwell on any of this.

As I’ve said before I am not a theologian. It is a book that heavily relies on symbolism and refers to other prophetic writings. My opinion is informed by Kris Vallotton’s thoughts on eschatology. This is an explanation of how I see it and it works for me. You are welcome to agree or disagree.

We have been in the end times since Jesus walked on the earth.

… and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:15 (NKJV)

Jesus told us the kingdom of heaven is at hand – it is within reach if we care to grasp it. It is here and now. Not on a distant cloud in the sky or some far off future date.

Furthermore, the end times are now and have been now for two-thousand years. We only have our own lifetime to accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour. We don’t get a second chance. It is in this moment, while we are alive and kicking. I’d like to point out that we don’t know when our time will be up any more than when the final judgement will happen.

We have a choice to hide in fear or stand in faith. So what do we do? We choose love, hope, faith, joy and peace. Each day when we wake up we thank God for the breath in our lungs. We commune with Him worshiping Him, listening to and obeying Him. We trust our loving Father and we keep our eyes on Jesus who gave us a message of hope and grace. We complete the work of our hands to the best of our ability and provide for our family. We steward our resources well. We reach out and love our neighbour as He has loved us. We pursue our calling and disciple the nations. We open our hearts and our homes and welcome people in.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog. I’d love to hear from you. Kindly leave a comment below or send me a private message at admin@jesus4generations.com.

God bless you and your family.

Sources:

My 8 Eschatological Core Values (krisvallotton.com)

Matthew 24:36 NIV – The Day and Hour Unknown – “But about – Bible Gateway

Mark 1:15 NKJV – and saying, “The time is fulfilled, – Bible Gateway