It’s so easy to focus on the tragic events happening in our world. Media headlines andbroadcasts bombard us with details, pictures, reports, and constant commentary.
War in Ukraine; another elementary school shooting; extreme weather events;COVID-19 and now monkeypox; the World Economic Forum and the GreatReset;one world power/leader…
More could be added to the listof modern day events that are being interpreted asafulfillment of the signs of the times of which Jesus spoke. With all these eventshappening, does that mean Jesus is coming again soon? Is the end of the world near?
This speculation is nothing new.Almost 2000 years ago, theapostle Paul wrote acouple of letters to theThessalonians. From his letters, it seems like theywerewondering about some of the same things. This summer we will be working throughthose twolettersofPaul to the Thessalonians. In those letters, Paul frequentlyaddressesthe topic of the end times or the last things or the return of Jesus.
While Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour of the end of time (see Matthew24:36; Acts 1:7), there hasbeen frequent speculation and discussion about some kindof timeline or prediction of Jesus’ return. What is sometimes lost in all of the discussionand speculation is the emphasis on living our lives to the fullest in the here and now.
Reading through the letters to the Thessalonians, we findanemphasis on faithful livingas an important testimony to fellow believers and to the community in which God’speople live. In these letters we find instruction on how to live godly lives;encouragement to stand true even when facing opposition to one’s faith; an emphasis tokeep working. Woven through these practical instructions is also teaching aboutChrist’s return.
Yes, Jesus is coming again. Yes, we must be alert and ready. Yes, we can live in thehope of glory. And yes, we can live each day to serve God and our neighbour.
Growing in Faith, Growing Out into the Community,Growing Through Relationships