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 Our Voices What Do You Think? February 2004
What Do You Think?
February 2004
"He will come again to judge the living and the dead."
-- The Apostles' Creed
It seems today that much more attention is being given to "end-times" prophecy and Jesus'
second coming. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins took these biblical concepts and turned them
into a best-selling fiction series. Others have taken to looking for signs of the end-times
in everything from war in Iraq to the unification of Europe through a common currency to
universal identities on the Internet. So, people are clearly interested.
But to the Christian church, Jesus' return is not news. Each week at Holy Redeemer, as at
many Christian churches, we profess our faith in God using the words of the Apostles' Creed
(or similar texts). While each passage in the creed is significant – indeed the editor
of my copy of Luther's Small Catechism refers to the creed as the center of Luther's confession
of faith – it is one line, a mere four words, that intrigues so many.
He will come again...
But the question is "When?" As recorded in Matthew, even the disciples asked this question.
"Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and
of the end of the age?" (24:3) Jesus' answer may not be what we expect. "No one knows about
that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (24:36)
Does the timing of Jesus' return make a difference to the way we live? Should it? Again, Jesus
provides the answer. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will
come." (24:42) Live ready; always be prepared. He also provides hope for all the concerns we
may have about the end-times. After speaking of deception, false prophets, and wars, Jesus
says "...but see to it that you are not alarmed." Don't worry, it's in good hands.
So, when will Jesus come again? How can we be prepared?
What do you think?
Jeff Hand (jhand@isualum.com)
Author's note: Sometimes the words come easy; other times, not so easy. This represents the not
so easy. Perhaps it's the subject matter; perhaps I didn't listen for the appropriate guidance.
Perhaps I'll rewrite this one day when the Spirit provides more depth of thought. In the meantime,
I leave you with one addition question. Do you look forward to the "end of the age"?
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