Terrors and Great Signs

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.’” (Luke 21:8-11)

Is it any wonder that many a radio gospel preacher is proclaiming the end of the world and Jesus’ second coming in light of recent events? The apocalyptic sermon of Jesus, a version of which is found in the first three Gospels, hints at cataclysmic events as a signal to prepare his followers for the end of the age.

With earthquakes, tsunamis, and the possible pestilence of radiation poisoning, the happenings in Japan seem to be of biblical proportions. Add to that the upheaval of nations in the Middle East and North Africa and it makes one wonder about what God might be doing in the midst of all this.

I am grieved for people who are suffering as a result of these cataclysmic events. I am disturbed by the horror of what many people are facing in the challenge of rebuilding their lives. My distress, however, is not of “biblical proportions.” I tend to be rather calm in the midst of end-of-the-world proclamations by self-described prophets.

I suppose that’s because I’ve read the whole sermon of Jesus in those Gospel accounts. He begins by saying, “Many will come in my name saying, . . . ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.”

He also says, “When you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified.”

And again, “Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Maybe I am being naïve but it strikes me that Jesus is telling us we have nothing to worry about. So nations are toppled and new ones arise. Despots are dethroned and new ones take their place. Hurricanes rage and floods destroy. Economies move from depression to inflation to recession. Persecutions come and go. None of this changes the plan of God to redeem the world.

Do we, individually, get lost in the chaos? One might believe so were it not for other promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you . . .,” or “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

When you see the calamitous things that are going on in the world today, do not be afraid. Lift up your heads. Your redemption is drawing near.

What that means to me is that God is at work in the midst of the calamity and will make a way that leads to abundant life. There will be rescue, salvation, comfort, renewal – and hope.