Way back when July had just turned into August, while the days were still long and the nights warm, most people felt secure predicting that the Tigers’ season would end on September 29.  Then the Tigers got hot, and the end was delayed.  Then they stayed hot and swept the Astros.  On Monday Skubal made sure we would play at least two more games in Detroit before “the end,” and there still is hope that their season will continue through the last week of October.  However, at this time, “concerning that day and hour no one knows.” (Matthew 24.36)
 
Oh, wait, that is a different ending to which Jesus refers as he speaks to his disciples in Matthew 24.  Did you know that in his discussion, shortly before mentioning that no one knows the day or the hour, Jesus does actually tell us when the end will come (and I am not talking about the Tigers’ season)?  Here is what Jesus says“Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24.12-14)
 
Now, the question I have for you is simply this:  Do you find the facts that Jesus here presents comforting or terrifying?
 
What are the facts?  Well, your list might be a little longer than mine, but here is what I hear Jesus telling us.  Or, in other words, here are the facts:

  • The end is coming
  • We have no clue when it will be
  • As the end approaches many interpersonal relationships will become hostile
  • The Gospel of Jesus will be proclaimed internationally to all
  • When the end comes, those with faith in Jesus will be saved

With these facts we are also reminded that every storyline on earth includes “and then, the end.”  The baseball season will end with only one team standing.  Life on this earth will end with every person who has ever lived standing … in front of “the Son of Man (Jesus) in all his glory and all the angels with him” (Matthew 25.31) for the final judgement.  And, unless “the end” comes soon, the phrase “and then, the end” will apply to my earthly pilgrimage … and yours, too.  So, again, I ask: Do you find these facts comforting or terrifying?

Last week I heard a sportscaster say something like this in a podcast, “I am much more of a football fan than I am one of baseball, but, if I’m honest, I must admit that I find watching playoff baseball to be more nerve-wracking and suspenseful than any other sport I watch.”  I am not the only person I know who had a difficult time sleeping Monday night even though the Tigers had finished their exciting game in the early evening.  I don’t even want to imagine what will be going on inside of me during this evening’s game.  This is true even though I do not find the possibility of their season ending this week to be terrifying … after all of the excitement and success this season has already given me, every game now is just a bonus (a much welcomed and appreciated bonus).

In regard to the other ending of which Jesus speaks, I find the facts to be neither comforting nor terrifying … or is it both comforting and terrifying?  I do find peace in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection and the promise that all believers in Jesus will spend eternity with him in a new creation (which, of course, is after “and then, the end”).  I do however, experience sadness as I think about the fate of those who reject the Gospel … and I struggle with what more I could/should be doing to “proclaim the gospel of the kingdom” in a winsome way to more people … so that more will be standing with me as Jesus says, “Come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25.34)

And then, The End