For a few days this week I’m sharing some thoughts about Matthew 24. It’s where Jesus answers a question about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about what to expect, including this: “Then … Continue reading Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
second coming
The darker it gets
In Matthew 24, Jesus answers a question from his disciples about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return one day in glory at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about things that are going to take place, including this: “Because lawlessness … Continue reading The darker it gets
Grafted to the hub of his heart
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 are often cited when looking for ‘signs’ that the world as we know it is coming to an end. Fair enough. Among other things he talks about false Messiahs (v. 5), “wars and rumours of wars” (v. 6), “famines and earthquakes” (v. 7), and persecution (v. 9). But more specifically, … Continue reading Grafted to the hub of his heart
Since God hasn’t given up on the world
Someone wrote to a denominational magazine and asked, “Why are there so few sermons in our churches on the Second Coming? Is this part of our belief or not?” The wise “answer person” replied this way: “Not all Christians think alike on matters of theology, but it would be hard for someone to feel at … Continue reading Since God hasn’t given up on the world
Letting go of revenge
A lot of people wonder about Judgment Day. They’re curious about how and when it will happen. And trust me: there is no end of books that jump on the profitable bandwagon of speculation. But there’s a much-neglected facet to Judgement Day that can positively impact our attitudes in the here and now, regardless of … Continue reading Letting go of revenge
The Age of Melancholy
Psychologist Daniel Goleman says that we live in the Age of Melancholy. Here is how he describes it: “Each successive generation worldwide since the opening of the century has lived with a higher risk than their parents of suffering a major depression—not just sadness, but a paralyzing listlessness, dejection, and self-pity, and an overwhelming hopelessness—over … Continue reading The Age of Melancholy
Jesus is coming back — look busy!
I once saw a bumper sticker that said: “Jesus is coming back – look busy!” It made me Lol. And although busyness doesn’t really matter, faithfulness certainly does! When people talk about the return of Christ to judge the world, end all evil, and usher in the glorious new heavens and the new earth, the … Continue reading Jesus is coming back — look busy!
Against the noise
I once went on a monastic-style retreat. There was a lot of silence. I mean, a lot. Other people seemed to instantly enter into a state of relaxation and calm. But for me it didn't come so easy. When I tried to calm my mind and enter a time of Christian meditation or prayer, things … Continue reading Against the noise
Shocked and saddened, but not afraid
A friend posted this on Twitter: “When will all this crazy stuff stop?” He was referring to the 10 deaths and 15 injuries that resulted when a man drove over pedestrians in Toronto. But the backdrop includes the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. And the shooting in Nashville. In the midst of this, I think there are … Continue reading Shocked and saddened, but not afraid
Living in the time of God’s patience
Every day a woman I know wakes up, looks out her window, and says, “One more day, Lord, one more day.” She’s referring to the fact that Jesus hasn’t returned yet. As a result, we have—at least—one more day. There’s a lot of speculation about when Jesus will victoriously return to judge the world and make … Continue reading Living in the time of God’s patience
