I am going to upset someone. It might be you! But it is time to just be blunt. I am sick and tired of my heart being broken by the irony, hypocrisy, fear, anxiety, fear mongering, and really bad testimonies all resulting from “Christian” obsession with the “End Times”. This might be long, and I will probably offend most people in some part of this post.

My Own Testimony

I was gloriously and graciously saved in early 2000. Some might be surprised to learn that my conversion happened while I was in the middle of the second book in the Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins series Left Behind. What the LORD used to get my attention was first – the prospect of actually being “left behind”, but more so – the repeated statements of the need for actual faith – the kind that endures persecution and threat of death. One character in particular was supposedly a “minister” who was among those “left behind” at the rapture – and he realized from that experience and the reading of Scripture – that he had lacked that genuine faith, and himself was supposedly “converted”. Great. So guess what the next couple of years were absolutely consumed with: The End Times.

I read and re-read Revelation, followed charts, studied Daniel and Ezekiel till I felt pretty educated on both. I bought and consumed some of the most popular commentaries and Prophecy “unveiling” books, and was of course tapped to teach an adult class on the End Times. This was pretty easy – as it was in a church that was, at least for those who thought about it, firmly in the same theological camp as LaHaye (and a myriad of other popular preachers): Premillennial Dispensational Theology. While I didn’t recognize it at the time, pursuing this theology, with the presupposition that it was the absolute, gospel-truth roadmap became a very real idol to me. An obsession. One that ate at me.

Then I was introduced to other theological ideas – Amillennialism was first, presented by a guy who constantly challenged me on pretty much everything I thought I believed. He made a very strong case – but for some relatively small details. Over the course of the next few years, I even tried very hard to adopt this position – as it made for some nice, tidy wrap-up of some pretty mess prophecy. But I could never find rest – as this theological view results in what I still see as a very low view of God’s sovereignty and omnipotence and brings to question many other long-held, orthodox views.

Over the course of the next few years – through my entrance into pastoral ministry – I began trying to present much more balanced approach to eschatology – by studying not just the writings of theologians (who I found out were all in disagreement – good men who are or were far smarter and more highly-educated than I will ever be in this life). The more I studied with a mind and heart wiling to be challenged and to see the truth – the more I realized NONE of the predominant or even minority positions were satisfying. Each have strong points and weak points – but in all cases, it leaves WAY too much in the hands and minds of sinful men.

Fast Forward to Today

I wasted your time with the above to provide some context for where I am about to go with this. In the years that have passed, through Systematic Theology, Christian History, Contemporary Christian History classes, and much more to finally earn my Masters Degree, and in teaching prophecy and general end times lessons – I realized that Jesus REALLY meant what He said about no man knowing when He would return. And considering the above realization that far wiser and more educated men disagreed (and could still be friends), I realized a few of things:

1. Eschatology is, for the most part, a Secondary Issue (or lower).
2. Good men disagree because what’s left of unfulfilled prophecy is intentionally cryptic and unknowable… for a very important reason:
3. And that reason: because Christ’s Sheep have plenty to be busy with – and the entire point of eschatology is NOT to put dates and times, or names with faces, but as a warning that none of us know how long we have before we either pass from this life, or Jesus returns, bodily, and it will be too late. These prophecies (and the included terrible judgements and destruction) are meant to encourage genuine beliers to be about the Father’s Work.

You see – Jesus came the first time and stated that He came to glorify the Father. Do “do the will of Him who set Me.” Even when facing His brutal crucifixion, Jesus didn’t hide in a corner, wring His hands, and tremble as He waited for something to rescue him. “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). He must be about His Father’s work. And so should we. And the point of it being literally impossible to unravel all of the prophecy in question is to keep the pressure on us with the urgency that is appropriate.

So Now What?

So now – we have yet another celestial “event” on the calendar rapidly approaching. A solar eclipse. An eclipse that just so happens to be passing in its totality, not far from where I live. But it doesn’t stop there – as news has reemerged (undoubtably because of the insanity revolving around the eclipse) about some so-called Red Heifers that came from a ranch in Texas – cows that supposedly are so perfect, they fit some Jewish concept of a sacrificial animal that many now say will usher in the End Times. This article in the Jerusalem Times sheds a bit of light on the story. But many are anxiously awaiting the appearing of the Jewish Messiah – and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (exactly where the current al-Aqsa Mosque is located). Many believe this will launch the End Times.

A viral social media post linking the patterns this and the last eclipse make has biblical significance – with claims of several cities in the path named “Nineveh” (false) that these paths form Hebew letters that signfiy the end – and with a string of completely made up prophecy fulfillments tied to it. I finally got frustrated enough (and disappointed at the sheer number of folks, including those I care about who were practically paralyzed in fear from these posts) that I finally spoke up on Facebook with a “PLEASE STOP” post.

But that is what has led me here this evening and this post. It just seems that the entire fear-mongering, end times chasing, red heifer sacrificing, eclipse worshipping mess is to the point of revealing a whole lot about the faith of a lot of so-called Christians.

Jesus said repeatedly “Fear not”. Over and over Jesus proved WHY His sheep should not fear, whether it be His promise to never leave us, or the promise to send the Great Comforter when He ascended back to the Father. Or maybe His claim to be going to “make a place” for us and that He would come back to get us. Or just maybe we should take heed to the commands found in Philippians 4:6-8:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.

Philippians 4:6-8, Legacy Standard Bible

Indeed, we could chase down more than enough statements by Jesus Himself, plus the bulk of biblical writers that suggest and even command that we not worry, but instead that we “cast our cares” on Him.

But what kind of testimony of our faith in the power and promises of Jesus, when we get so wrapped up in the hype and the reposting of patently-false theological and prophetic claims? What kind of hope are you showing this lost and dying world (that for the moment ought to fear God and eternal wrath that He will soon enough be pouring out on ALL unrighteousness of men), when you live in fear and anxiety about the “end times”. And this is particularly true for those who have their entire theological and salvation all wrapped up in “The Rapture”. I don’t intend to make this long post even longer by arguing why the popular “escape ticket” is (at minimum) misguided, but more accurately – a dangerous twisting of the text. Why is truly tragic, is how many believe whole-heartedly in said rapture, yet live in fear as if they were still going to suffer incomprehensible tribulation and all they can do is sit around and wring their hands in spiritual paralysis. They see the thousandth post with a picture of a red cow and tremble at the “unfolding of the End Times”. Never mind that the Red Heifer has no value in a biblical sense today (end times or not), but is part of anti-biblical Rabbinical mythology from the 12th Century. But like any other suggestion of a resumed sacrifice, this is a rejection of the work of Jesus Christ.

But there is yet another element of the end times obsession and worry: the literal hypocrisy of so many Christians. If you are so worried that the end is coming – then why are you not blowing up phones, knocking on doors, and publicly proclaiming Jesus Christ Is Lord – and calling everyone, everywhere to Repent and believe the Gospel? How much time have you spent agonizing, worrying – and even praying about Israel, about the woes unfolding, and in trying to connect dots to “future out” Jesus return date and time, but not inviting your time in the proclamation of the gospel, in serving your local church with enthusiasm, seeking to love and help others, and in some of the most passionate and sincere worship one could ever imagine?

Biblical prophecy is not there to scare real Christians. Indeed, I personally believe we will endure actual hardships. I do see troubles and tribulations in our future. What right do I have to expect Jesus to sweep me away in some great, invisible taking away to rescue me from any significant worldly suffering for my faith, when for 2000 years, real followers of Christ have endured the most brutal, horrific, and evil persecution and tribulation known to man? Pick up a copy, or find a free digital version (.dpf) of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Or for a more contemporary eye-opener, do some basic research on the persecution and dramatic suffering of Christians today: from the beheadings, torture, and more of Christians in Iran, to the underground church in China where believers and pastors are regularly arrested and sent to forced labor internment camps – often loosing their families and ultimately their lives to torture, starvation, and more. These stories are real, and they are still happening today. If these believes can face threat of torture, loss of loved ones, and even death boldly proclaiming Jesus, while not cowering at every yahoo false prophet and charlatan’s suggestion of another “sign”… then what is our excuse?

And just like any other belief: If your beliefs and theology are the obstacle to you proclaiming Jesus, from living out a life that shows joy, confidence, and absolute faith in Jesus Christ – then your theology and beliefs are not biblical.

Quit looking for “signs” – and seek the lost. Quit dwelling on The End, and start pursuing Christ with your your whole life –

*Lord, Increase my faith…”

*and for those curious about my own Eschatology: What Do I Believe? I believe the most clear text on what is to come in all of Scripture and I will stick to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

It is compatible with everything Jesus spoke regarding the end. And it is enough for me. May you get some peach from it as well. Jesus really is in control!