Friday, August 26

The end is near

Scripture: Jeremiah 51-52, Psalm 100, 1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4:7–10 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

Observation

When Peter says “the end of all things is near, therefore…”, he is calling for a sense of urgency and importance. We’re facing a deadline; get it done! In this case, the deadline or “the end of all things” was the second coming of Jesus. On a personal level, it is also our mortality. The end for me is closer than my beginning by a long shot!

So what are we to do in the face of this impending end? Four things:

  • Pray. Be alert and sober minded for prayer.
  • Love. Above all, maintain constant love for one another.
  • Hospitality. Be hospitable without grumbling.
  • Serve. Use your gifts to serve others.

Application

First, I want to live with a “mortal mentality.” I want to remember that “the end is near” and let that motivate me to do what is important. It is too easy to twiddle life away, to waste our one and only life on what is unimportant and insignificant. Life is short, so make the most of every opportunity. Live life well.

Second, I want to do these four things well: pray, love, be hospitable and serve. Look for opportunities today to do these important things.

Prayer: Lord, help me turn even insignificant moments into important moments by praying, loving, being hospitable and serving.