(Originally published in The Daily Press - Religion section, August 16, 2014)
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars … nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. … Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (Matt. 24:6-9)
Jesus’ words are coming to life before our eyes. Headline news is saturated with world chaos, violence and vitriol; looting and riots; murder and suicides; earthquakes and hurricanes, famine and drought; every type of abuse, depression, and so forth.
Most Christians recognize this time period as prophetic “birth pains” pointing to the return of Christ. Ironically, the heavy metal band Motley Crue, currently out on their good-bye tour, sings new song lyrics: “All bad things must end. All bad things must die. Even the Devil’s gotta pay for his crimes.”
I hope concertgoers are listening up because those words contain biblical truth. Scriptures speak of future major events that will affect the entire universe and all forms of evil will come to an end. All evangelicals agree that Christ will return, and they agree in the final results of that second coming. Their disagreements lie in the timing of that return.
Most Christians recognize this time period as prophetic “birth pains” pointing to the return of Christ. Ironically, the heavy metal band Motley Crue, currently out on their good-bye tour, sings new song lyrics: “All bad things must end. All bad things must die. Even the Devil’s gotta pay for his crimes.”
I hope concertgoers are listening up because those words contain biblical truth. Scriptures speak of future major events that will affect the entire universe and all forms of evil will come to an end. All evangelicals agree that Christ will return, and they agree in the final results of that second coming. Their disagreements lie in the timing of that return.
Whatever your theological position, we can all agree this is a rapidly changing turbulent world and the Church is watchful for Christ’s return; complete with a new heaven and earth free from chaos, sickness and sorrow. (Rev. 21:1)
This theme of hope runs throughout the New Testament and speaks to the sudden, visible return of Christ. Peter said “the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Pet. 3:10) and that he will come again and take you to be with him. (John 14:3) Christ himself will descend from heaven with a loud trumpet call (1 Thess. 4:16) coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him. (Rev. 1:7)
I think about this when taking in our spectacular high desert sunsets; imagining what it would be like to hear the trumpet sound and see Jesus riding in on one of those clouds. Does that excite you? Does it scare you? The degree that you eagerly await Christ’s return will give you an indication of the spiritual condition of your heart.
Henri Nouwen suggests “the spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it.” As you watch the news, does your heart break or have you become callus to what does not personally impact you?
We should not view ourselves as feckless wanderers trapped in the ways of this world. Christians are designed and powerfully imbued to carry out the mission of God. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
We take many things for granted in the United States of America. Can you imagine being forced to flee without food and water because of your Christian beliefs? Consider praying this week for the religious minorities trapped by militants on the mountain in northern Iraq and all that entails.
Whether Christ returns in this generation or not, this is your last generation; so make your kingdom mark. We can gain wisdom from activist Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
The Rev. Heidi Summers is affiliated with Freedom in Christ Ministries, is a board certified pastoral counselor, board certified life coach and is currently completing her doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Henri Nouwen suggests “the spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it.” As you watch the news, does your heart break or have you become callus to what does not personally impact you?
We should not view ourselves as feckless wanderers trapped in the ways of this world. Christians are designed and powerfully imbued to carry out the mission of God. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
We take many things for granted in the United States of America. Can you imagine being forced to flee without food and water because of your Christian beliefs? Consider praying this week for the religious minorities trapped by militants on the mountain in northern Iraq and all that entails.
Whether Christ returns in this generation or not, this is your last generation; so make your kingdom mark. We can gain wisdom from activist Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
The Rev. Heidi Summers is affiliated with Freedom in Christ Ministries, is a board certified pastoral counselor, board certified life coach and is currently completing her doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary.
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