The End is Near

Posted on Categories Daily Bible Reading Guides

Bible reading for Wednesday, April 20, 2011: Luke 21

Between the earthquake and nuclear crisis in Japan and the unrest in the Middle East, I’ve had many people ask me if this means that the end is near and Jesus is coming back soon. My response is a strong “Maybe.” See, I am only 37, but I have already been through this cycle many times: The creation of the European Union, the Cold War, and Chernobyl being just a few of the past crises that caused people to start filling their basement with canned food and shotguns.

In Luke 21, Jesus talks about the future and his return, but the closer you study it the more confusing it gets: vv. 20-24 refers the destruction of the temple which happened in 70 A.D, then vv. 25-28 seems to refer to his second coming, yet he says in v. 32 that “this generation will not pass away until this takes place.”

Regardless of what the particulars mean, the key point is: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap” (v. 34).

Regardless of how and when he comes, regardless of whether you meet him while you are still alive or after you die, we do not know when we will meet our judge and savior. Be ready. Woe to the man who is so wrapped up in end time speculation or worldly living that he is not ready!

Published by Josh Kelley

I am the author of “Radically Normal: You Don't Have to Live Crazy to Follow Jesus” (Harvest House) which helps us find the middle road between complacent and obsessive Christianity. I graduated from LIFE Pacific College in San Dimas, CA, with a BA in Biblical Studies and a minor in Biblical Languages. I completed the course work for a M.A. in Biblical Studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, Canada, but did not complete my thesis. I also was an adjunct professor at Pacific Life Bible College in Surrey, Canada for one year. I have been married for 15 years to a wonderful young lady who does her best to keep me from getting too nerdy. We have two daughters who are the joy of our life. Aside from my family and my God, my two greatest joys are having a microbrew with good friends and reading a good book.

One thought on “The End is Near”

  1. There is a high probably that the end times will not be coming. The best advice is too ignore the “End Timers.” There is little or no chance that a rapture is coming.

    How many times in Human history where “prophets” told about the end times and always wrong?

    Want more info? Google the Millerites and the Great Disappointment.

    The next “Great Disappointment” is on May 21,2011.
    http://www.wecanknow.com/

    Reply

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