Question: My pastor has been preaching about the end times and I am scared. Should I be so worried?
Answer: The end of this world is not to be taken lightly. Throughout history, and today, there are faithful people studying what the Scriptures say about this terrible time. Often, the scariest prophecies and imagery come in the final book of the Bible: Revelation.
But these are also the most difficult to understand. There is a lot of symbolism and imagery that makes exact predictions impossible. Some claim to have figured out the details of unfolding events, and even implicate specific present-day nations, leaders and sociopolitical dynamics in end times events according to Revelation.
I prefer to stay grounded in the Gospels. In the Gospels, Jesus brings us Good News: He loves the world, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and He wants everyone to have abundant and eternal life. He assures us that if we love and follow Him, we will find the promise of life beyond the troubles of end times and even death itself.
When Jesus does teach about the end times, it is within this greater context of Good News. In Matthew 24, Jesus warns us not to be led astray by what others might say and do (verses 4-5). He describes trials and suffering (verses 6-12), but assures that “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (verse 13).
He promises that “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (verse 35) And He throws cold water on all of our efforts to predict: “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, or the Son, but only the Father.” (verse 36)
In place of predicting and worrying, Jesus concludes Matthew 24 by calling us to be ready, and prepared! When we live each day, even each moment, in the active faith, hope and love of Jesus, we will be ready, and in Christ, we will overcome the world!
Rev. Erik C Hall
Senior Pastor, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church
Ocean City
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