The End Times

In studying the end times, I often find myself repeating the refrain from Green Eggs and Ham. “I do not like it, Sam-I-Am.” It is hard to focus on the end without losing sight of the present.

I have so much spiritual work to do just to get through every single day in my own process of sanctification. But, if prophecy is being fulfilled today, does it change the daily work I’m supposed to be doing?

Is This the End Times

I remember sitting in on conversations as a child when adults discussed this question. It comes up now and again with my adult peers. And, I’ve even had moments where I was struck by a piece of news and was left wondering, “Is this the end times?”

A few weeks ago, a pastor reminded me that we have the answer to this question. Unequivocally: Yes. These are the end times. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” 1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

Those words were true when Peter wrote them. And, they are true today. In his second letter, he notes that the day will come suddenly and without warning.

And, again, his next point is to address our response. “What sort of people ought you to be?” This is the most important thing to focus on, to me.

The end of days we see in the Bible is descriptive. It will happen. Prophecies will be fulfilled, and Christ will return. But, our response is prescriptive. We are instructed on how to act, based on the knowledge of his imminent return. We must make our response the appropriate one.

The End Times

If you truly believed that today was the final day of all creation, what would you do differently? Would you try to convince anyone one last time? With whom would you try to make things right? Is there anyone you would forgive? Is your response to the end times aligned with the instructions given?

Jesus himself instructs us to live in readiness for his return in Mark 13. And, yet, I acknowledge that I often put off until tomorrow what could be done today. I need to work on this area of my life.

Prayer for Today

My prayer for today is that Christ’s return would become increasingly real to me. Let my response line up with scripture. Let me stop putting off the things that I know I should do.

I resolve to contact my family members whom I know have rejected Christ. I will remind them that they are in my prayers. Lord willing, I’ll be able to chat with them about faith again.

End Times Verses

Here are some end times verses that I find relevant:

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” 1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17 (ESV)