How Do We Live and Respond Now?

As the circumstances of our world continue unfolding, several have asked me if the war in the Middle East is the beginning of tribulation. I will simply respond, “not yet”. Starting the week following Resurrection Sunday, I will begin a series about what is coming and how to respond in the coming days. We will discover that the Scriptures indicate four significant events will take place before Jacob’s sorrows or what we call the tribulation begins. Then, we will discover together what the Bible has to say about the unfolding of events to come.

The question becomes, “how do we live and respond now?” I grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s. We had many prophecies, books, and teachings that the end was coming. One noted pastor/teacher even did a series called "88 reasons Jesus is returning in 1988." These prophecies and teachings were false. This even made numerous people skeptical about prophecy for years. I can understand that. Many young people decided not to go to college or prepare their lives with substantial training because Jesus was returning any moment. They were ignorant of the Scriptures of what had to happen first before the rapture. Scores of them worked lesser jobs that were not their callings and passions because they believed false teachings.

Matthew 24:36 is a good piece of advice from Jesus. It says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable about ten men stewarding ten minas; one for each. He exhorts these workers to do business until the owner returns. Our focus is to be something different than not preparing and not serving faithfully until He returns. We are not called to hide and wait! We are to work until He comes!

Matthew 24 is an amazing chapter of scripture. It answers questions, warns of things to come, sternly warns us to not be deceived, gives us “The Sign” mentioned four other places in the Scripture right before Jesus returns, reveals Israel’s fate, and proclaims His glorious return. Matthew 24:14 needs to be one of our major foci in these coming days. Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Let us pray, give, send, go, and preach the gospel to the ends of the earth! Let us glance at the current events and gaze at our assignment.

Instead of being afraid or semi-paralyzed, let us be excited about living in these days. We may face challenging times in the days ahead, but cling to the promise of Romans 8:18. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Prepare for His calling upon your life. Keep living for Jesus. Finish well. Jesus has a victor’s crown waiting for those of us who do.

Together for Jesus,

Tony