Matthew 24:36-41

“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” vs. 36

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do what the apocalyptic passages that are a part of our community’s scripture. It’s obvious that they arise out of difficult times and are an attempt to give direction to disciples who are wondering about their survival as the last days approach. They paint a picture of a tumultuous future and give warnings to those who might be led astray by false teachers. Many Christians debate endlessly about the predictions hidden in the symbolic images and some even claim that world-wide catastrophes are right around the corner. The truth is that no one knows when any future events are going to happen…Jesus is pretty clear about that in his apocalyptic sayings. The only thing we can know for sure is that endings are going to come. There are global disasters out there waiting and we all know that one day each of us is going to have our own personal ending. Again, we don’t know when that’s going to be. The big question is, “How are we going to live in the meantime?” One feature of apocalyptic is the word of hope that is always present. One day, no matter what tribulation comes our way, God will gain the ultimate victory over all enemies, including death. Our future is secure.

Thought for the Day: What lies ahead for humanity in this century?