Student Ministry - September
Dear Church Family,
Many people are talking about the current state of affairs of the world and asking if we are in the end times. Well, biblically speaking, we have been in the end times since the time of the New Testament (1 John 2:18). But I understand what everyone means. It feels like we are getting really close to the time that Jesus will return. Maybe we are, maybe we are not. Many times we look to the book of Revelation to tell us how to know when Jesus is coming back. But scripture tells us that no one can know when He will come (Matt. 24:42-44). So what is the point of Revelation?
This topic is especially relevant to students today. For whatever reason, students love discussing the end times and Revelation. This is not only a subject of fascination for students. I hear many adults talking with a sense of enchantment about these things. And I would be lying if I said I was not interested in these things as well. But it is very important that we understand what Jesus was ultimately trying to communicate through John in this bizarre book. Instead of seeing it like a detailed map of the exact signs and symbols of what to expect before Jesus comes, we should look at it like a painting which shows us the hues and colors of what life is going to be like until He does return. I am speaking very generally here. Of course, Revelation does give us things to look out for to indicate we are getting closer. But I do not believe it is trying to give us the exact time and location. God gave us this book so we would be ready for what the world was going to be like while we waited for Christ’s return.
This is made clear when we consider who it was originally written to. The early church at that time was under heavy persecution as they were being pressured by force to worship the emperor. It seemed like there was no hope for the future. If they were detained by Roman officials and did not deny Christ, they would lose their lives. But those Christians who remained received the encouraging words of Revelation, which really just went to support much of what the Bible has already communicated.
Do you ever feel like the world is being consumed by wickedness? Like those who are in power are corrupt and corrupting? Like each successive generation is less concerned with godliness and holiness? Like each and every day it becomes more of a challenge to live for Christ? Well, there are a couple things to keep in mind when we start to notice these feelings.
First, we are not the first generation to feel this way. If you read Christian authors from the past you will find that we have all felt this way since the New Testament. The world is living up to what we should expect knowing what scripture has told us about these end times. Which brings us to the second thing to remember, God has been preparing His people for this all along the way. He tells us in Proverbs 24:9-10 “Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked; For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” This line of thought is given in Psalm 37:1, 73:3 and many other places. Much of the Bible is there to reassure the people of God that while things might seem to be out of hand, justice will still come from the hand of the Lord. The wicked will perish and those in Christ will live forever with Him when He returns. This is the main point of Revelation. I do not know about you, but I need to be reminded sometimes that the wicked will not be able to strut about forever. I can rest knowing that Jesus will have the last word.
If you are wrestling with fear, anxiety, anger, or some other emotion regarding all that is taking place in our world, remember that God has promised from Genesis to Revelation that He is in control and that He will put an end to all that is wrong with His creation. Oh that we would proclaim the gospel freely so that, like us, some may be rescued from their wickedness and the final justice of the Lord.
Sincerely,
Brian Van Doren