The day predicted as “Judgment day” passed like any other day. It was fairly unremarkable except for the erupting of a volcano which had been dormant for over 100 years. For some who had chosen to put their trust in man rather than in the Holy Scriptures, it was a day of bitter disappointment as many lost their livelihood as they gambled on a date for the end of the world and a secret rapture of the faithful.
It is clear that we are living in the time of the end. Crazy and doomed to failure though it may have been, the prediction of the end of the world revealed the state of our present world and its attitude to God. The jokes and hollow mockery on social networking sites revealed that God is least important in the minds of most people today. The words of 2 Pet 3:3-10 seem like a fitting description of the religious climate of our day. “Where is the promise of His Coming?” they taunt. “If He were really coming back, don’t you think He should have returned by now? Perhaps He is not coming back and your belief is an empty fable.”
We are left to do damage control as many are swept into lies and delusions, choosing to silence the voice of the Spirit of God calling them to repentance. In a climate like this, it is extremely difficult to continue an active witness for Christ without facing discouragement. In these times, remember that the state of the world was predicted in the Holy Scriptures long before our world had reached its current “Postmodern” era.
The Bible tells the story of a young girl, Esther, who became queen. Her people faced the threat of genocide and she was spurred into action by her cousin who said: “If you hold your peace thinking you’re safe in the palace, God will still arise to deliver His people but maybe you were brought into the kingdom for such a time as this.” God saw it fit to give you the privilege of living and ministering to His people in the time of the end. Though it may be discouraging when the response to the message you deliver is negative, continue and persevere in the work of telling others about God’s love and the plan of salvation. Your job is to scatter the seed and leave the increase to God.
Evangelism is not an event; it is a lifestyle. Think about practical ways of ministering to others. Take it one day at a time. Resolve each day to do at least one thing in the service of the Master. Both the young and old have a place in His service. Blessed is the disciple who will be found working when His Master returns. Don’t worry about the date of His return for you have much work to do! His return is sure. (2 Tim 4:1-8, Heb 6:10-12, John 9:4, 1 Cor 3:5-15)
Scripture refs: Esther 4, 2 Pet 3:3-14, Mk 13:34-37
