During World War Two the British government commissioned posters to keep the public focused on key ideas. They were written with white letters on a red background. There was a crown at the top.

One said: “Freedom is in peril. Defend it with all your might.” A second one said: “Your courage, your cheerfulness, your resolution, will bring us victory.” 

A third poster was produced but never released. A man discovered one of them fairly recently in a box of old books. He liked it so much that he displayed it. It became an international sensation. Soon it started appearing on t-shirts and coffee mugs.

It said: “Keep calm and carry on.”

The idea of the apocalypse has captured people’s attention for a long time. It’s a fascinating topic. When Jesus was asked about it, he told the truth. He also resisted vain speculation about the timing, and urged wisdom and caution. “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch” (Mark 13:33-34).

He never encourages panic. He never says to freak out. He never says to spend hours going down YouTube rabbit holes or to make a bunker and detach from the world.

He urges vigilance. In other words, we should keep calm and follow Jesus.

As Jesus’ return draws near, we will be living in a world with more evil and less love (Matthew 24:12). Nevertheless, we should keep calm and follow Jesus. We will be living in a world where there will be wars and famine. Nevertheless, we should keep calm and follow Jesus. We will be living in a world where there will be persecution and pain. Nevertheless, we should keep calm and follow Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, there is a lot in the world that is beyond our control. There are days when it seems dangerous and crazy. What should we do? We should continue doing what disciples have done since the earliest days.

Keep calm and follow Jesus.

Notes and extra content:

-“Keep Calm and Follow Jesus (As the Apocalypse Nears)” Sermon. Click here.

-Special thanks to Kristin Stouffer who was able to recreate the original British poster with the updated words!

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.