1st Peter 4:7. “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” THE END IS NEAR. Mocking voices rise as money-makers hasten To add to their accumulated horde – even more Not willing to face what just plain common sense says – “The end is near!”
Loud laughter gets louder as revelers party Dancing feet and bodies seem so frenzied And the music deafens normal hearing to drown the message “The end is near!” Slumped over a bar empty glasses give evidence – Darkness and despair come from slurred words – Fear of the past, disappointment in the present, fear of the future “The end is near!”
The older folks watch the younger with sad eyes – Grey heads shake in unbelief at the rejection Of morals and standards and honor and respect – “The end is near!”
Behind closed doors the leaders gasp – unbelieving Now finding out there is no real solution We passed the point of no return long ago – “The end is near!”
Preachers warn the public to prepare for even worse times Christians in private conversations wonder – and pray Pages in the Bible have made it plain to those who read – “The end is near!”
“Father, it would be wonderful if the Lord came today. I want to be ready and watching for the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Believers in Christ know He promised to return for them, and the future plans of God will be fulfilled as prophesied. Since our Lord made the promise, Christians have been expecting the Lord to come in their time. "The end" is not far away in God's purposes. Salvation of sinners is one of the objectives of the suffering of the saints. God's plans are unfolding in our time, and that is true of every generation of believers. The awareness of the imminent return of Christ keeps believers ready to meet Him. Love for others and for God presses us to be sober (self-controlled) and prayerful.
Before every other consideration in life is the need for an intense, fervent love for other Christians. Whatever we invest of time and talents for the benefit of God's people will make a lasting difference. Our possessions, status and fame are not what counts in the kingdom of God. An open home and an open heart toward strangers as well as those we know is of great value. That is when it is opened without grumbling, complaining or fussing about the inconvenience and expense.