“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming in the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Luke 21:25-26
While the world is still trying to get a handle on the Covid Pandemic, we are now faced with, yet another Pandemic called “Monkey Pox.” This morning I read an article in which the General Secretary of the UN expressed major concern over the threat of a nuclear war in the world. He said, “The world is one misstep from devastating nuclear war and in peril not seen since the Cold War.” In the meantime, war is being waged in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
During the March on Washington, Dr. King said, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
Indeed, we cannot wait for tomorrow to have a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Tomorrow is not promised to us in this unpredictable world where nuclear annihilation is no longer a hyperbole, but a real threat that is looming over our heads. This is no time for apathy or complacency in our spiritual walk. Believers must be recommitted to doing the great commission work and proclaim the salvation of the Lord through Jesus Christ. This is a time for vigorous and positive actions from the Church in our attempt to win the world for Christ. It is a time to forego denominational, racial, and political differences and celebrate the fact that we have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” Ephesians 4:5-6.
In today’s text, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the End Times. His prophetic message should resonate with us particularly since we are now faced with far more natural disasters than ever before. Nations are indeed in anguish and perplexity as the sea level continues to rise and cause unbelievable damage throughout the world. Fires have been burning throughout the west coast. The world’s temperature has been steadily increasing causing innumerable fatalities and devastation.
In truth, most people are scared about the ongoing devastation and destruction in the world. No one knows what is coming in the world. Will there be another pandemic that is far worst than Covid? Earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and other types of natural disasters are worsening. But God is still in charge. Only He knows what the future holds. It is unwise to wish for a better tomorrow or hope things do not get worst. We must live with the “fierce urgency of now” and prepare ourselves for the end times.
During that speech in Washington, Dr. King reminded a divided nation that we need one another, and that we are stronger when we march forward, together. He said, “we cannot walk, alone.” Amen, preacher! “The fierce urgency of now” is a call for unity and a call to acknowledge the truth that we are all ontologically bound with one another. If we remain divided and polarized, it will only hasten our demise and move up God’s timeline for the end of times.
“The fierce urgency of now” should make us quick to forgive and slow to anger. Don’t be too late in letting go of bitterness and hatred. Do not gamble with your eternal future. Heaven and hell do exist, and what we do now will echo in eternity and lead us to either heaven or hell.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What does “the fierce urgency of now” mean to you?
What are you going to do differently to prepare for the end times?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help me to overcome apathy or complacency and live with a sense of urgency in doing your great commission work. May your Holy Spirit continue to remind me that this is a time for vigorous and positive actions when I am tempted to be lazy or indifferent. Please continue to remind me that I cannot walk alone so that I can become an uniter and not a polarizer.