It's coming to an end

The Apocalypse is just around the corner. "For in those days, there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be." Mark 13:19.  " "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." 2 Thess. 2:3,4. "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

To some, this is crazy talk. Bringing up the end times doesn't help reconcile differences or wrestle with the issues of climate change. Pointing out that racial disparities, wars, political infighting, and the now and ever-present pandemic are symptoms of a deeper problem causes some to roll their eyes. I am not a "sky is falling" kind of guy. I don't wring my hands, worrying that using my credit card will usher in a cashless society and the beast's mark. However, I think it is healthy to be reminded that at the core of all national, international, and personal emergencies is the problem of sin. 

Bringing together the left and the right without understanding that sin eats away at our attempts to cooperate will be futile. Even a genuine desire for racial reconciliation will be marred by prejudice, anger, hatred, bitterness, selfishness, and pride. These inherent characteristics are symptomatic of our sinful condition. Throw in everyone's personal agendas and the landscape of world peace, cultural cohesion, and individual peace flies out the window.

The only way to resolve these issues is to identify and agree on something bigger than themselves. That is why almost every sci-fi movie has the world setting aside their differences for the common cause of survival against an alien invasion. Thus the Apocalypse.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,  and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." Ephesians 2:14-16.

This passage is specifically addressing Jews and Gentiles, but apply it to any groups or individuals who are at odds. If Jesus is our peace, he breaks down the dividing wall between God and us, so that the barriers that divide people will crumble beneath the cross. If Jesus is our peace, how can democrat and republican not work to get along? If Jesus is our peace, how can I not see my brother of color with value and respect? If Jesus is our peace, then the rifts between spouses, children, and friends should be mended under Jesus' authority. 

Alas, if only we all would find this peace in Jesus. Until then, it is incumbent on us, who have found this peace, to bring it to a hurting world. But when we act as if we do not have the peace of Jesus, our call for hope falls in deaf ears. 

There is a day coming when every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, and the world will be reconciled to God. In preparation for that glorious day, let's give the world a taste of its sweetness. Tell them about Jesus. I'm just saying.