The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. (1 Peter 4:7)
Some days just drag on and on. The pain won’t quit. The tough situation won’t end. The stress won’t go away. The clock stands still on the unfinished difficult task. We think the tough days will never come to an end, but God says an end of all things will come—and it could be soon.
I was a bit concerned when I came home from grade school and my mom, who always met the school bus, was not home. I went through the house calling for her, but she was nowhere to be found. Then I panicked. Did Jesus come and take my mom but leave me behind? I experienced a few frantic minutes until Mom came home from the neighbors. She had been nearer than I thought. Since then, I do not live with the fear of the end but with anticipation of the future.
Because of my changed relationship with Jesus, knowledge that the end is near produces expectation, not fear. That awareness influences how I live. If the end could come today, I must not wait to do the things I should. I must seize opportunities, complete assignments, and meet obligations. The bad things of this world will come to an end, and so will the opportunities to do good in the world. Be ready, because Jesus is nearer than you think.
Joyfully seize the day.
Ken Heer was an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than fifty years.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
