I was standing in a little country post office where the postmistress was my friend. As we chatted, a weather-worn farmer hobbled in and, without so much as a greeting, exclaimed, “What’s the world coming to?”
Another of the prolific crises that pockmark the face of human history was occurring, like the present tragedy in Gaza. I don’t know if the man expected an answer, but, after a moment’s pause, he got one.
“An end.” That’s all my friend replied, but it shocked the old fellow. “An end?” he said. “What do you mean by that?” As if he’d never thought of the possibility. Have you?
Is time linear or cyclical? Of course, much of our life-rhythm moves in cycles. Day follows night, the moon waxes and wanes, the seasons change. Nonetheless, our lives are measured by passing years—and there’s no going back.
It isn’t just the street-corner prophet that tells us The End Is Near. If we have eyes to see, there’s evidence all around.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics declares time is a one-way river. Like a clock once wound up by its Maker, the world is slowly running down.
My automobile keeps reminding me it won’t last much longer. Things fall apart. Like the coffee at my elbow, the universe is growing cold. And a look in the mirror tells me “I am going the way of all the earth.” (1 Kings 2:2)
Of course, the average person on the street isn’t too worried about the heat death of the universe! It’s the collapse of the family, the rising tide of crime, the epidemic of youth suicide, the erosion of common sense, and the unknown future that sow seeds of hopelessness.
That’s why we need heaven in our hearts. To those who transfer their trust to the Savior, accepting His gift of forgiveness and eternal life, He promised: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3). A new world awaits!
Don’t misunderstand. The Lord didn’t want His followers just sitting around, ignoring the world’s needs while awaiting the Grand Finale. There’s work to be done and a message to proclaim: “Preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) That should keep us busy!
Nor are Christians to be date-setters. When Jesus’ disciples asked about His coming kingdom, He warned, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” (Acts 1:7)
But here’s the thing. Christians shouldn’t be living with the same pathetic hopes of those around us—in the stock market, the next election, or winning the lottery. Don’t expect anyone to ask you “a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15) if your hope’s the same as theirs!
One day this world will come to a screeching halt. If you’ve lost the enjoyment of “the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), Christian, respond now to the Lord’s plea, “Return to Me” (Isaiah 44:22), and you’ll eagerly await His return for you.
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Saturday, October 21, 2023