Treadmill or Triumph?

Matthew 24

Dear Jesus,

Your disciples, deeply curious about the future, asked you to tell them about the end of time.  You described the signs to them and included a stern warning:  "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."  Ever since that utterance, even your devout followers have sought to know the time of Your return.

Cleanse us of our lust to know and control the future.  Our pagan desires only trap us in pragmatism, expediency, and minimal Christian living.  Rather, stir in us a longing to see You face to face.

Some who study last things claim to have timelines and charts accurately predicting aspects of Your return.  They foolishly try to create certainty where You have intentionally left us with signs--indicators.  Help me to trust You when the path is obscure, the timeline veiled.  Help me to live in faith with the certain awareness that You are returning.  May that be enough, and may I be prepared.

Pagan religions taught that history was cyclical, repeating itself in fixed epochs of time.  The Stoics described epochs ending with destruction and regeneration of the earth.  The Hindus teach the reincarnation of soul in ever-increasing or degenerating, as the case may be, cycles.  The treadmill of these cycles predicts hopeless determinism for humanity and nature itself.

You are different.  You teach me that history is going somewhere.  There is purpose.  There is intention.  There is destination.  Creator God made things that way.  All of creation is moving toward that great consummation of order and time.  You will judge the living and dead.  Then You will ultimately triumph over all!

Thank You for the hope of Your soon return.  Signs of the times are ripe for You to come back. Help me to be ready, not controlling, for that moment.  In the meantime, grant me grace and strength to lead others to a knowledge of You that gives them a hope and a future, too.

I love You. I need You.  Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

In the Name of my Lord and Savior and soon coming King, Jesus Christ,
Amen.