Whistle While You Wait
Jesus will return on Judgment Day. So what should we be doing now?
During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy often closed one of his speeches with the story of Colonel Davenport, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. On May 19, 1780, the sky of Hartford darkened so quickly and ominously that some of the representatives, glancing out the windows, actually feared the end of the world was at hand. They clamored, of course, for immediate adjournment.
Davenport quelled the disruption when he rose and said, “The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought.”
The end of this world, according to the Bible, is imminent. Jesus will return on Judgment Day. So what should we be doing now?
Troubles in this world are also going to happen. Global wars. National tragedies. Community disharmony. Family disagreements. Personal problems. So what should we be doing now?
We could stick our heads in the sand, or faithfully go about our lives in what is known as “the new normalcy.”
The Bible urges, “Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak … be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:14,16).
Christians don’t fear the end of the world. Neither do we fear the problems of this world. We expect them. We even anticipate them. But we’re not afraid of them. Because God is on our side. His angels protect us in ways we cannot see. His Spirit sustains us with strength we cannot feel.
That’s enough to let us go about the daily routine of life while we wait for the next life.
PRAYER: Your overflowing grace is sufficient for me, Lord, and tomorrow, too, I will have enough. Forgive my anxiety about tomorrow that makes me miserable today. Forgive my worries that paralyze my ability to go about your work and will with a normalcy. Replace my idleness and laziness with joyful eagerness. Strengthen my resolve to live without fear. And accept my thanks for every circumstance, because each of them will help me honor your name. Amen.