The End Is Near?

Have you been paying attention to the events in the Middle East?  The battle seems to be escalating daily between Hamas and the Israelis. For the first time, Hamas fired a rocket at Jerusalem. Much hatred is being pointed at Israel and countries that previously had always backed Israel appear to be waning in their support. There is also less support among Evangelicals as different theological views are embraced. As these events are played out, I cannot help to think about the day when there is the  end of this earth as we know it and all things are made new.

Jesus was very clear about how the world will end and He told us the signs to look for.

               "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then
                 know that its desolation has come near.....Jerusalem will
                 be trampled under feat by the Gentiles.....and then they will
                 see the Son of man  coming in a cloud with great power
                 and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place,
                 straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption
                 is drawing near." Luke 21:20-28

The end is coming! The more I meditate on that day, the more excited I am about seeing the day where nations from every tribe and tongue gathered around the throne of Jesus singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God almighty". God will bring peace, justice, righteousness and also, judgement. God will judge people for what they have done and only those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be allowed to enter the new kingdom. As excited as I am to see Christ in His Glory and praise Him forever, I can't escape the truth that  there are many who will be in hell because of their choice to reject God.

What does all the activity in the Middle East mean for the Christian?  We don't know when the end will come but we should want to be found faithful when the end does come. God created us for His glory and gave us the mission to be part of His plan of redemption.  Jesus called His followers to be witnesses in "Jerusalem and in all of Samaria and to the ends of the earth". (Acts 1:8) He promised that He "would be with us until the end". (Mat. 28:20)  The truth that Christ's return is closer today than yesterday should cause us to  pray for God's mercy on the lost and lives transformed through the power of the Gospel, be watchful for His return so as to not be taken by surprise and endure through suffering, rejection and persecution in steadfast faith in Jesus. There is a sense of urgency to act through the power of the Holy Spirit to be disciples who make disciples. May we be followers of Christ who are even more intentional about sharing the Gospel, not only in the community we live but globally. Whether it's being sent or sending.  A community of believers to encourage each other to  live in the light of God's love is even more important in the last days.  As believers, we know how the story ends, we get Jesus and that is worth everything. Until that day, we are "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ". Titus 2:13

Come quickly Lord Jesus, come.