A theme captivating many movie-watchers over the years –The End of the World Is Coming !  My husband and I found ourselves eating popcorn to such a movie last week and if nothing else,  it brought up some thought-provoking  conversation.

The radio announcer broke through all regularly scheduled programming to announce that all hope for help was gone.  The earth would be destroyed in 3 short weeks.  Stunned silence.  Blank stares.

The following scenes depicted a story line that I think might be typical in real life of how many would respond to such news of impending doom …Keeping busy with “business as usual”  …throwing all moral judgment  out the window …escaping reality  …looting …riots …panic …suicide …getting with those you love …or finding God.  

Then came the question that begged an answer, “What would WE do in that scenario?”  and Roger and I found ourselves in a different story line that went something like this …

Knowing that we both are securely in the hands of Jesus for now and eternity, we had no fear for ourselves or for our family who are walking  with us on that same road with Jesus.  We knew we would be together forever.  Our concern was for those who still have yet to invite Jesus into their lives and receive His grace and forgiveness.  We would want to take them all by the hand and show them the way home to the Father while there was still time.

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says,

“At just the right time, I heard you.
    On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.  Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

John 12:35-36 (NLT)

I didn’t want anyone  to experience horrific doom that never ends.   “They will be punished with eternal destruction,  forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” from 2 Thessalonians 1. But Being forever separated from God would be the most terrifying of all.  I wouldn’t want that for anyone!

But after all of the above conversation, a strange sense of  calm came over me that I didn’t expect.

For me …

If the end of the world was imminent, there would be NO FEAR …about what  other people might think of me because …who really cares? The next eyes I’d look into  would be Jesus’  — not the glare of others.

There would be NO FEAR of death.  Let’s face it,  we’re all going to die but in Jesus, my life is forever etched in His hands  through His death on the cross!

Diabetes, cancer, heart disease …would all be a thing of the past.

Decisions would be easy to make. Time would be short.  Doing only what really, really matters would …well… really matter!

Whew!  Deep thoughts!  …not over yet!

Ironically — while enjoying my cup of hot, delicious  pour over coffee in my quiet space the next morning — Jesus shed some light on the box office hit topic as well…

THE END OF THE WORLD IS COMING SOON. 

(from I Peter 4)

This conversation is clearly NOT OVER and  I’m pretty sure the Holy Spirit is up to something!

…Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.  Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. (I Peter 4:7-9)

Continuing on …

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. (I Peter 4:10-11 )

And here’s what I’ll call my “movie review” to all of this…

If you’re still looking for your way home, this is my attempt to hold out my hand to you and invite you to join me as I walk with Jesus …because He is The Way!  Now is the time!  Jesus is always listening and available.  Call now! He already knows your name–you just need to call on His.

If you’re already on the road to heaven …

• Pray!
• Love deeply!  
• Share your stuff with others!  
• Use your gifts well!  

“Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
All glory and power to Him forever and ever!  Amen !”

 *Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation