In this tumultuous age, with our rough and tumble political climate, some are thinking this election cycle may herald the end of the United States, even the end of the world, as we know it. Others think that stand on the precipice of further greatness, and that our nation will improve if only we had more government regulations. However, regulation is designed to prohibit, not empower.
If the world does end (and it does) when may we expect it? Will we have nuclear war to end it all? How soon will it be and what event or personality marks the beginning of the end? Perhaps we are already well underway on that doomed journey? Regardless of whether you have pondered these questions, they are indeed questions with which we are obligated to wrestle.
For the follower of Christ, this is an ever present truth that is covered in Scripture, from which we can surmise that the end does come, enabling us to watch for the signs that the day is coming. Albert Benjamin Simpson, the founder of the awkwardly named Christian denomination known as the Christian and Missionary Alliance; who is also a professor at Nyack College and Missionary Training School, was asked by a reporter about the end of the world:
The reporter asked, “Dr. Simpson, Do you know when the Lord is coming?’”
“Yes,” he replied, “and I will tell you if you promise to print just what I say, references and all.”
The reporter’s poised notebook gave the ready promise.
“Then put this down: ‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.’ Matthew 24:14. Have you written the reference?”
“Yes, what more?”
“Nothing more.”
The reporter lowered his pencil and said, “Do you mean to say that you believe that when the Gospel is preached to all the nations Jesus will return?”
“Just that.”
https://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/s/i/m/simpson_ab.htm
It is said that the paper came out the next day with the exchange between Simpson and the reporter written word for word.
What was believed by A. B. Simpson was that as soon as the gospel was presented in every people group/nation then Jesus would return and the present world would come to an end. This implies that there is much work yet to be done in the task of world evangelization. This awkwardly named denomination is intent on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world as quickly as possible, so that the King can come back.
Paul the apostle touches on part of the reason that the end of the world has not yet come. In Romans 11:25 he writes: “I want you to understand this mystery, brother: that a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”
So since the world has not ended, and Jesus has not returned, apparently the full number of non-Jewish people have not yet claimed Christ as Savior. When will that number be fulfilled and what is the number? Only God knows.
What should be happening in the interim? “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). Our first priority as followers of Jesus is to plead with God to send out more missionaries into the world to share the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Jesus also told His followers in John 4:35 that “the fields (world) are white (ripe) for harvest.” In other words, now is the time to get out and work the fields and bring in the harvest of souls.
It does not matter who we are. It does not matter where we are. It does not matter our education. We are to share what Christ has done with those that God has placed inb our path; through work, school, activities and even shopping. Get to know that cashier you see when you are grocery shopping, and begin sharing Jesus with them. If you don’t know how, ask God to show you. Caring is a good place to start.
Praying and sharing are the places to begin. You don’t have to pray to begin, just start where you are. It’s not rocket surgery! May God give you and I and all those who call themselves followers of Jesus the heart and passion to share His good news.
The end of the world is coming, yet we do not know when or what time. Followers of Jesus know that for Him to return we must be about the work of sharing Jesus without fear and failure.
The end of the world: looking forward to it!