Isaiah 65:24 “Before they call I will answer;
    while they are still speaking I will hear.”

There are various, seemingly conflicting, narratives of the “end times” in the Bible. Some focus on the destruction coming upon those who are in rebellion against God, some, like this, focus on the “millennial kingdom” of perfection on this earth, some focus on believers being “snatched away” from all the destruction, and some focus on eternity with God. I think the confusion comes from our perspective. All of these things will happen, but God sees them all at once, whereas we see them sequentially – or would like to, to keep it all straight. I believe we need to recognize that we don’t have the mental “horsepower” to grasp it all, and so rest in the assurance that God’s got it all sorted out, trusting Him to bring it to pass in the right way at the right time. Charisma Magazine just had an article on the difference between the “Rapture” and the “2^nd Coming.” To be honest, I didn’t bother to read it, though I’m sure it will be helpful to many. I’ve seen too many people who were so obsessed with this sort of thing that they could hardly be bothered with what God wanted them to do for and with their neighbors right now. Verses like this one, speaking of a level of intimacy with our Creator that few have yet tasted, strike me as far more “practical,” if that’s the right word. Jesus said repeatedly that we are to be ready for the end when it comes, but for the vast majority of people throughout history, that will be at the end of their physical life on this earth. None of us knows when that will come, but it is certainly a more immediate time frame than “someday.” We are to be focused on “What does God want me doing now.” If we will do that, then we will receive the ultimate accolade when the time comes: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

This is a position I have come into more and more strongly over the years. Right now many are feeling that the world is indeed in “end times.” They are probably right, but the question for me is, what am I to do about it? I think I’ve already answered that. Sharing the Gospel with as many as possible seems to be the only thing that might affect the timing, (Matthew 24:14) but that’s something I want to do anyway. As far as my own “appointment with destiny” goes, I’ve already outlived my father by 13 years. My health is good, and I enjoy life, but I would be delighted to be fully with my Lord. I am fully in agreement with Paul. (Philippians 1:21-25) I would be absolutely thrilled for the Lord to do something that would bring Cathy and me simultaneously before Him, but I can’t dictate that and I’m not about to try. In the meantime, I’m to be about the business He sets before me and rest, relax, and rejoice in His all-sufficient grace, just as He has told me to do, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You for the service we’ll be having this morning, and that I’m just interpreting, not being the speaker. May my joy in You draw others likewise into Your presence, so that together we may worship You in spirit and in truth, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!