Jesus and End Time Religion

The Apostle Peter said this: "The end of all things is near." Then he commands the people, us, to do four things: pray, love, welcome, serve.

Therefore be clear indeed and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift each has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

This is a description of how to live while facing the End of the world: praying, loving, welcoming and serving. This is true end time religion.

Who does this bring to mind? Who lived like this? Who embodied this way of preparing for the End? Jesus Christ our savior! Jesus saw the future as delight, as life, as peace and as beauty. Such a vision transformed His living by calling Him to ministry, reconciliation, community and understanding. His mission was to embrace and embody the coming reign of God.

Jesus proclaimed just this: the future is now; the kingdom is present; live under the rule of God. He said, 'If I by the finger of God cast out Satan, then the Kingdom has come among you.' Jesus called us to kingdom living: share your wealth; forgive your enemies; receive the children; trust the Lord; enjoy the world; ignore divisions; give cold water; visit the lonely; pray to God. Simply put: follow Jesus. This is end time living.

How Then Shall We Live?

Jesus demonstrates for us how to live as the End approaches. His example helps us make sense of what is happening today; it helps us decide about priorities and practices that make for authentic Christian living.

In Israel today, there are Jewish people, like some Christians, who are making plans to rebuild the temple. They have plans drawn, materials designed and strategies prepared for clearing the site.

When we read John's vision of the New Jerusalem, he describes the walls, the gates and the streets; then he says, "I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God almighty and the lamb are its temple."

Here is another vision of end time preparation. A few weeks ago, I listened to an interview of Millard Fuller. Many years ago he was a successful professional in New York City. He made lots of money. But he felt called to a different way. He moved to Georgia and affiliated with Koinonia Farms. They developed a kingdom vision. If, they asked themselves, in God's good future, all will have a safe shelter in which to live, why not now? They developed a plan to begin building these homes. They called it Habitat for Humanity. It was a vision of clean, affordable housing for everyone. He began it with just a few people. Today, in 83 countries around the world, a new habitat house is being completed every 23 minutes. Is this one way to prepare for the end? Is this an example of end time living?

Jesus said, quoting another one of the end time visions of Isaiah: "God has sent me to declare good news to the poor, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives, bring healing to the lame, and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."