The somewhat definitive sign that the end is wholly imminent is not as easily proven as it seems. It also may seem contradictory to other prophecies, although it is not. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Matthew 24:14 NIV
[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
All Over This World
You may have noticed that the theme I’ve used is from a song with the following lyrics:
All over this world
God’s kingdom is moving
All over this world
Like the prophet said it would be
All over this world
God’s kingdom is moving
With the glory of the Lord, as the water covers the sea.
Self-Check
Is it hard to imagine the Gospel being shared around the whole world? Can we see ourselves as part of the movement?
Application
When Habakkuk had his crisis of faith, he received encouragement from the Lord. Most of us are very familiar with the first aspect – he was to write his vision plainly (Habakkuk 2:1-2). We might even have made the connection with the futuristic nature of Habakkuk’s vision, although some of us may have failed to see that it isn’t only about our individualised dreams.
As God spoke to Habakkuk about the present situation in Habakkuk’s day, God warned of violence and dismay. Yet, in the 14th verse, God offered a word of hope which echoes our Nougat … the time comes when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of God, just as the waters cover the sea. Isn’t that amazing? No place, no people left unexposed to hearing about God.
That is the real knowledge of God, contrary to false prophecies we’re warned of in Matthew 24:4-5, and 11. It seems even ironic because we’re also told that many will fall away from the faith Before The End comes. Yet, the penultimate sign, that is, the Gospel reaching the entire earth, follows the waning love for God. Interesting.
Until we remember that God often did more with a remnant than with the masses. That’s evidenced in the sifting of Gideon’s army; the seemingly nonexistent team of Yahwist prophets in Israel under Ahaz at the time of Elijah; and in God’s promise of the returning remnant to Isaiah. Siblings, let us be assured that little is much when the little is in God’s hands.
Whether and seen evidence of the signs in our contexts or not, despite the move of many to make the Word accessible in multiple languages, all still means all. The entire world Must have access to the Gospel before Christ’s return. That is comforting.
All over this world, God’s Spirit is moving … Let’s reflect more in the next Nougat.
Point to Ponder
Can we honestly say we’ve been involved in amplifying or expanding the knowledge of God through our words or deeds?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
