I told a friend that I was writing a book about the end times. He responded with cynicism. “Why think about the future? I’m a carpe diem sort of dude. I’d rather focus on the here and now.” Valid point. We have bills to pay, kids to raise, deadlines to meet. Why occupy our thoughts with the “not yet” when we need strength to face the “right now”?
Simple. Understanding the future empowers us to face the present. That was Paul’s opinion: “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Phil. 3:13–14 nlt).
Look at those phrases: “looking forward to what lies ahead,” “end of the race,” “heavenly prize.” The best of life is yet to be. Got challenges in this life? Then ponder the next. Be a future-facing follower of Christ.
Besides, don’t we yearn to know about the future? I do.
Consequently, eschatology (the study of end times) has become a fascination for me. Odd, I know. Some people take up gardening or painting as they get older; I’ve taken up questions about the rapture, the Antichrist, and Armageddon. I really, really want to know what’s around the corner. I’m curious about the future. I’m also concerned about the present. Who wouldn’t be?
As I write these words, tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to escalate. We could add a cluster of other concerns: shifting weather patterns, pandemics, and famine. Our fragile condition has prompted a group to monitor the possibility of global catastrophe.
Their latest estimate? We are “ninety seconds to midnight.”
Quite a mess, right? It’s no wonder four in ten Americans believe we are living in end times. We are looking at a very severe future. Yet, Jesus told us to anticipate choppy waters.
According to Him, the final days will be marked by escalating events of:
- deception
- signs in the heavens
- economic turmoil
- seismic activity
- persecution of Christians
- political conflict
- famines
- pestilence
- commotions
- ethnic conflicts
- false prophets
- waning faith
- fearful sights
- wars and rumors of wars
- diseases (Matt. 24:4–14; Mark 13:5–13; Luke 21:11)
Sounds like the daily news. Jesus said, “All these events are the beginning of the labor pains” (Matt. 24:8 CSB).
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