“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28
When discussing prophecy and current events, 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 become uncomfortable and clearly communicate, I don’t want to hear this.
They might smile and say yeah, come quickly, Lord, but they are really thinking (I’ve been told), hey, I’m young, starting a family or career or just getting out on my own. I’m still figuring out my faith and what all this means.
If they were raised in church in the past three to four decades, many grew up expecting the Lord’s imminent return, but they just don’t quite buy it anymore. Many still believe and want to be ready; they just don’t want to listen to “the end is near” for the rest of their lives.
Then some are are weary and broken by life, and long for Jesus to come back. Their attitude is, “just get us out of here.”
The Late Great Planet Earth was a best-selling book in the 70s that ignited a passion for prophecy in many young people, including me. A movement was started.
But unfortunately, some Late Great veterans have helped foster a mindset and study of prophecy that has engendered fear, gloom and doom, and discouragement, as if the world is simply falling apart and we need to get out of here.
Some “prophecy enthusiasts” seem almost giddy about a natural disaster or war that appears to be another piece of the prophetic puzzle falling into place. I know sincere believers who resent that attitude.
It is time for the church to pivot, to turn around our thinking. Not change what we believe, but how we view it, and how we present the hope of the Lord’s return.
People need encouragement and hope for themselves and their loved ones.
Jesus offered hope: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
We can say with certainty:
The world is not falling apart. The world is falling into place!
