The Apocalypse?

I just viewed pictures from last night's tornadoes that ripped through Joplin, MO.  This picture caught my eye more than the others.  The simple word "apocalypse" came to mind.  The word itself refers to "an unveiling, or revealing" as in "The Revelation," referring to the last book of the Bible.  However, the word is often used and understood as referring to "the end of time" or to "some cataclysmic, end of the earth" scenario. 

During the last few weeks there has been quite a bit of talk about "end times," primarily stemming from Harold Campings foolish prediction that May 21 would be the day of the return of Christ.  Obviously, he was wrong.  But it has caused people to think about this important future event.  Others are discussing the unusual weather and proliferation of natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) and wonder if these are signs that the end is near.  Speculations are abundant.  But are they valid?  Consider a few things.

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus will come again and that no one knows the day.  Any predictions that Christ will return on a certain day indicate a failure to understand what the Bible says about this important event.  Likewise, those who declare that there will be no return of Christ are foolish and ignorant of what the Bible clearly teaches.

The Bible reveals that in the last days there will be major catastrophic weather-related events.  The New Testament speaks of an increase in earthquakes, of hail storms, lightning flashes, and more.  Do the recent natural events that have impacted the world indicate that we are in the last days?  Are they are fulfillment of prophecy?  I am not ready to suggest that these are a direct fulfillment of specific prophecies.  However I do want to make a few observations.

We are living the last days.  Jesus will come again, as surely as night follows day.  The important thing is to be prepared for his coming.  I'm ready . . . are you?

Natural disasters which kill, injure and destroy are reminders that we live in a fallen, sinful world that needs to be redeemed.  And it will one day be redeemed.  This world in which we live is not Heaven.

In spite of how it must appear to many, God really does love us.  Though His love is often questioned in the wake of devastating disasters, it can clearly be seen in the voluntary death of His son on a cross outside of Jerusalem two millenniums ago.  He died as a demonstration of His great loved for us.

The Apocalypse?  Not yet.  But one day . . . maybe sooner than we think.