When people talk about the end of days, I always go back to the year 1999 for some reason. Well Y2K of course, but also because Hollywood really cashed in on my legitimate fear of the end of times with movies like: "The devil's advocate" (Al Pacino was simply brilliant!), "Stigmata" (this movie REALLY had me thinking), "End of days" (believe it or not, I am actually a big Arnold Schwazernegger fan!). I spent Dec 31st 1999 in Paris with my best friend and a pair of VERY uncomfortable shoes... and of course, nothing happened!
I have been eerily indifferent to the concept of the end of the world ever since. Fast forward to 2008... I finally got the memo: we have been in the end of times since the day of the Crucifixion. It's really not so much about when it's going to happen, but where will I be when this happen? I don't mean "where" literally, or I might as well pack up my stuff and move into the Church (hum...actually, this doesn't sound like a bad idea, just to cover all my bases..), but where spiritually will I be when Jesus comes back? I like the warnings mixed with hope found in Matthew 24:
"You will hear of wars or rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." Matthew 24: 6
Not really comforting, but Jesus tells us not to be alarmed. Being ready is not about putting my life on hold and anxiously wait for His return. Being ready is about faithfully living the life God has intended for me; it's about always being prepared to receive an unannounced guest:
"But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:43-44
I feel kind of relieved when I read these passages. Of course I am still nervous, because I have no idea if I am actually ready or not, I don't think anyone has any real way of knowing. I do have my faith and my hope... which is not too bad if you ask me.
EED
I have been eerily indifferent to the concept of the end of the world ever since. Fast forward to 2008... I finally got the memo: we have been in the end of times since the day of the Crucifixion. It's really not so much about when it's going to happen, but where will I be when this happen? I don't mean "where" literally, or I might as well pack up my stuff and move into the Church (hum...actually, this doesn't sound like a bad idea, just to cover all my bases..), but where spiritually will I be when Jesus comes back? I like the warnings mixed with hope found in Matthew 24:
"You will hear of wars or rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." Matthew 24: 6
Not really comforting, but Jesus tells us not to be alarmed. Being ready is not about putting my life on hold and anxiously wait for His return. Being ready is about faithfully living the life God has intended for me; it's about always being prepared to receive an unannounced guest:
"But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:43-44
I feel kind of relieved when I read these passages. Of course I am still nervous, because I have no idea if I am actually ready or not, I don't think anyone has any real way of knowing. I do have my faith and my hope... which is not too bad if you ask me.
EED
No comments:
Post a Comment