“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
—Luke 21:28
When prophecy and current events come up in conversation, I often get a certain look—especially from younger people. Their eyes either glaze over, as if to say, “Heard that… too often,” or they start shifting in their seat, clearly uncomfortable.
They might smile and say, “Yeah, come quickly, Lord,” but deep down, they’re thinking, “I’m young. I’m starting a family, a career, or maybe just getting out on my own. I’m still figuring out my faith—what all this really means.”
Many grew up hearing about the imminent return of Jesus, and some of them just don’t quite buy it anymore. Others still believe, and genuinely want to be ready—but they don’t want to live their entire lives under a constant “any day now” banner of urgency or fear.
Then there are those on the other end of the spectrum—people who are weary, worn down by life. Their prayer is: “Just get us out of here, Lord.”
I remember when The Late Great Planet Earth became a bestseller in the 70s. It lit a fire in the hearts of many, myself included. A whole movement was birthed out of that season—people passionate about prophecy, watching the signs of the times.
But something happened along the way.
Some of those same prophecy veterans inadvertently helped foster a culture of fear, doom, and discouragement. A mindset that says the world is falling apart, and our only hope is escape.
Some prophecy enthusiasts almost seem excited when disaster strikes—another war, another catastrophe—like it’s one more puzzle piece falling into place. But I know many sincere believers who find that attitude troubling. They don’t want to see the world burn; they want to see it redeemed.
It’s time for the Church to pivot.
Not to change what we believe—but to change how we think.
To shift our focus from fear to hope, from escape to engagement, from gloom to glory.
Jesus didn’t tell us to cower in fear when signs begin to appear.
He said: “Look up. Lift your heads. Your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)
Let’s carry that message forward:
The world isn’t falling apart. The world is falling into place.
