MANY scriptures clearly communicate an urgency about the Church being prepared for our Lord’s return. It is presented as a life and death issue which profoundly shapes the Christ-follower’s life, but can we argue that we take it seriously?
Scripture’s use of the word “soon” is perplexing to an earth-bound mind and it’s easy to dismiss it. But then there’s God, to whom a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day.
Have we unwittingly become (in deed if not in word) like the mockers whom Peter wrote of in II Peter 3:3-9? Have we too, adopted the notion that “nothing happened in the past two thousand years – – and our grandparents said He was coming soon but He didn’t – – so we might as well just go ahead and have a good time here like everyone else.”?
BUT GOD HAS SAID – –
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must SOON take place; – – 3 Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for THE TIME IS NEAR.” Rev. 1:1-3 partial, nasb
“SOON” MEANS
“Soon” can be a fairly definitive word, or less so depending on the context and who says it. “Soon” in Rev. 1:1 and elsewhere, is Strong’s 5034, meaning quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. “Near” (in verse 3) is #1451, meaning “things imminent and soon to come to pass.” That’s not complicated!
WHAT IF?
So, what if God actually does mean “soon” when He says “soon”? And what if He fully expects that Jesus-Followers will take Him seriously, with values, priorities and lifestyle that confirm it? And what if II Peter 3:3-9 actually does describe the spirit of those who dismiss Him?
Yes, what if? More next time!
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
May 25, 2021
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