The Most Terrifying Thought
Although people may not want to admit it, even the bravest of them have fears; and being fearful isn’t limited to the young or to the feeble. We all have them.
Being caught in a tornado, or swept away in a tsunami; being kidnapped and held for ransom (or perhaps not for ransom, a more terrifying thought); receiving a dreaded diagnosis; losing someone you don’t think you can live without. The list of fears is inexhaustible, and I hesitate to mention more for fear of creating more fear of things that you may never have thought of!
Imagine one of the above things happening and there’s no hope of being rescued or found or cured or sustained. While on Planet Earth, there’s no guarantee. After all, we live in a fallen world. But the most terrifying thought of all is that when life on Earth as we know it is finished—a reality that is closer than ever!—there’s an eternity just beyond.
Those who have rejected Jesus in this life will have no hope in the life to come. There’s no more terrifying thought than that! No hope.
Time is of the essence. The clock is ticking. The end has been heralded.
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), they were told not to be deceived, there would be signs—wars, rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, pestilences, earthquakes in divers places; persecution of Christians, persecution of Jews; rise of false prophets; iniquity abounding; love of many waxing cold.
Jesus goes on to say that the gospel will be preached to the whole world as a witness to all nations; “and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). But before then, there will be seven years of tribulation like the world has never known.
We see these things happening now all around us in anticipation of the expected end. How much closer must we be to the Rapture that occurs seven years before the end when Jesus comes in the clouds and every eye shall see Him (Rev. 1:7)! The most terrifying thought for those who don’t know Him! But for the Christian...
“When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads;
for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).
