All too many would-be prophets have appeared on the world scene to declare earth's impending doom. And who among Bible prophecy students hasn't at least been tempted to interpret present-day events as harbingers of the apocalypse?
Jesus leaves us with some interesting and important details concerning that which will precede His return:
"There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)
Our immediate temptation is to compare these words with present-day events and draw our own apocalyptic conclusions. And yet nearly every era has had certain characteristics in common with Jesus' words. Does Jesus describe the times immediately preceding His return or are these characteristics of the entire age sandwiched between His first and second coming?
However elusive specific details about the future may be, details concerning how we live in light of the coming end times are crystal-clear:
"Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth." (Luke 21:34-35)
Bible prophecy calls us to an intentional lifestyle. In light of what is coming we guard against activities and involvement that diminish our spiritual direction and dynamic. Rather than seeking escape through the pleasures of this age, we live vigilant and purposeful lives. We deliberately plan for and anticipate God's direct intervention in the world.
The hope of believers of every age is to be the final generation that witnesses the dawn of the kingdom of God. The uncertainty of life, however, adds even greater urgency to Bible prophecy's call to prepare. For all we know this day may be the day before the dawn of the kingdom, whether from our personal mortal perspective or from the reality of realized Bible prophecy. Either way, this moment is precious from the perspective of eternity.
Steve
Jesus leaves us with some interesting and important details concerning that which will precede His return:
"There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)
Our immediate temptation is to compare these words with present-day events and draw our own apocalyptic conclusions. And yet nearly every era has had certain characteristics in common with Jesus' words. Does Jesus describe the times immediately preceding His return or are these characteristics of the entire age sandwiched between His first and second coming?
However elusive specific details about the future may be, details concerning how we live in light of the coming end times are crystal-clear:
"Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth." (Luke 21:34-35)
Bible prophecy calls us to an intentional lifestyle. In light of what is coming we guard against activities and involvement that diminish our spiritual direction and dynamic. Rather than seeking escape through the pleasures of this age, we live vigilant and purposeful lives. We deliberately plan for and anticipate God's direct intervention in the world.
The hope of believers of every age is to be the final generation that witnesses the dawn of the kingdom of God. The uncertainty of life, however, adds even greater urgency to Bible prophecy's call to prepare. For all we know this day may be the day before the dawn of the kingdom, whether from our personal mortal perspective or from the reality of realized Bible prophecy. Either way, this moment is precious from the perspective of eternity.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:44 AM
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