Is this the end?

Many of us wonder about the “end of the world”. It seems to be a topic that stimulates the creativity of many and activate fear in others. From movies to literature, to sermons and Bible studies, the views and approaches are as varied as the menu at the Cheesecake Factory. Things like weapons of mass destruction, atmospheric phenomena, wars, artificial intelligence, and of course, pandemic, seems to make this a trending topic. (We should add to that list whenever Isarel makes the news).

But we are not the first to wonder and speculate about these things. Some of us grew up hearing predictions about the end of the world. Remember Y2K? Or the apparent calculations made by the Mayans for 2012? And don’t even get me started on Nostradamus. But the thing that worries me even more is when voices in the Christian church look to decipher the apparent secret code about the "end times".

Some, even if well intentioned, quote specific verses from the Bible to make complicated step by step scenarios, speculations about dates and warnings about signs. There seems to be an anxiety for connecting verses with actual people and events from our time.

Millions of people are asking if our current situation is one of those signs to look for. A quick search on YouTube for ‘signs of the end’ or ‘rapture’ will suffice. (For more on how to better approach these passages in the Bible, consider reading from pastors, theologians and biblical scholars like N.T. Wright, Scot McKnight, Michael Gorman, Juan Stam, Brian Zahnd, Samuel Pagán and others.) 

My question is: how should we approach this subject in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic? (add any other situation that has the same effect)

Here are a few thoughts.

To begin, we need to realize that everyday millions of humans live in the midst of war, famine, sickness, violence, racism, etc. Because of our access to information today, we can read about it, see pictures and even watch videos. But we go on about our lives, mostly unaffected. The thought about that being the sign of the end times does not cross our minds.

Somehow, it’s not until that reality knocks at our door that we start considering the question. When things get tough, and it hurts us or our loved ones directly, we feel tempted to jump to the conclusion that it must be the end. 

Maybe we feel like if in fact the end comes during our time, somehow that adds value and significance to our existence.

I don’t mean to be insensitive. A lot of the things we see in the world are scary, and sometimes we face uncertainty. We need to address our fears and anxieties in a healthy way, and it’s ok to ask for help. 

This is an opportunity to ask God to help us see and hear what he’s doing and saying. Because God is always working and speaking to us. The problem is we don’t always take notice. 

So, is this it?

 I don’t know. The truth is nobody knows. (Note: it´s been 5 years since the world "stopped" because of the COVID pandemic)

The Christian worldview states that history is not a series of random events. Conversely, it sees history as heading in a specific direction. Jesus talked about the kingdom of God becoming near. And that´s good news.

In Jesus, God was establishing his kingdom on earth. Theologians talk about it as an “already, but not yet” reality. It is already here, and we can experience and live some of its implications, but it’s also coming to its fulness at some point in the future. That’s where history is heading. The renewal of all things. 

Jesus promised to return, and I trust him. I just don’t think it will occur as some movies and books try to predict. Actually, some of these images would be better left behind (see what I did there?). 

So, the return or reappearance of Jesus will fully establish the kingdom of God forever. Yes, there will be a kind of end, but only to give rise to a new beginning. Not as a part of an endless cycle but as the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption, resurrection and eternal life. 

Nevertheless, there are some details of which we can't be certain.

These are Jesus’ words to his disciples:

“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8

Not. For. Us. 

In other words, that responsibility is beyond our capacity. We are  expected to act on what we know. And what we do know is this: we have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power. Power to be witnesses, to tell the good news about hope and salvation. To talk about how God’s plan is not for our destruction but for our redemption. 

In conclusion, I’m not saying it does not matter if this is the end or not. On the contrary, like with all serious matters of the Kingdom I suggest we follow the King's advice: be like the faithful servant who is focused on doing what he (and she) was called to do. 

Rather than "is this the end?” the question should be how do we honor God in such times? how can we love our neighbor in the midst of a pandemic (or any other situation)? and how can we offer the hope of the gospel to those around us?

 Not just because we fear this might be the end, but because it’s what we were called to do since the beginning. 

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me” - Jesus (John 9:3-5)