In the end.
When it seems like the signs of the last days are upon us, it is not for us to resist or try to quell these events — God tells us that this will happen, just as Jesus told his apostles that he would die.
But if, like Peter, we are not meant to say, “This must never be!”, why does God reveal to us what is to come?
Jesus told his apostles repeatedly about his passion, including at the very end — “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and on the third day he will be raised.” [Matthew 20:17–21]
The apostles did not understand then, but Jesus was telling them what was to happen, so that they would not be afraid when it did happen. So that, even if the moment came upon them like a thief in the night, they would be alert to the crack of a twig, the opening of a window, the picking of a lock.
What were they meant to be alert to? Was it to draw a sword and strike off an ear? No — the call to action was simply to stand. To stand in faith is sometimes harder than to fight — but it is only then, that God can win the battle.
And God does not tell us simply what is to come — we also know the outcome — “… and on the third day he will be raised.”
Jesus was telling his apostles what Moses told the Israelites as the Egyptians bore down on them — “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today.” [Exodus 14:13]
In the midst of the chaos to come, God is telling us:
Do not be afraid — When we see that half the prophesy has come true, it is assurance for us that the other half will be fulfilled too.
Stand firm — During this time, it is easy to fall away, but we must hold the line. It is here that the battle will be fought, when our intelligence and will will begin to tell us that God is not around. Stand firm in faith that God makes all things work together for good.
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” [Luke 21:34–36]
“And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” [Luke 18:8]
The Lord will accomplish the deliverance — To not fight one another is a decision, and it is one that we must make. The battle is not against flesh and blood, nor is it being waged on the earth. “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” [Ephesians 6:12] And as Moses continues, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” [Exodus 14:14]
It is God who will fight — we are called to stand in faith.
Let me leave you with the words of the apostle, Peter:
“The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” [ 1 Peter 4:7]
