John 5:24 - The End of the World Is Here!
The End of the World Is Here!
"I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgement but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24, HCSB)
We have all seen the popular characterization of someone standing on a street corner, holding a sign to warn passersby that the end of the world is imminent. I don’t suggest that the guy holding the sign is using his time constructively, but we are reminded during Advent not only of Christ’s first coming, but of His return as well.
While it is important for us to keep this in mind, we also need to remember that life with Christ does not start when He returns or when we die, but it started the moment God gave us faith to believe His Word. In other words, life with and in Christ is right here and now! This isn’t the end but the beginning.
We are privileged to see God’s work in bringing people from death to life in Navajo, New Mexico. Today’s verse is prominently displayed on a banner that hangs in our fellowship hall. It serves as a call to everyone that God is offering life and salvation now.
We welcomed two children into God’s family through the waters of Holy Baptism this past Easter, and we have also welcomed members of the community harassed by alcoholism and violence into the family of God. The truth of God’s Word is very clear in these situations where life with God has not waited for some future event, but it started the day faith came.
The Good News that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins and paved the way to God is very clear in this verse. We often get stuck between yesterday and tomorrow, either looking back or looking forward. This verse reminds us that God comes to us in the here and now, and all that we need to focus on is our life in Christ today.
Gracious God, I thank You for giving me faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, and through Him I have crossed over from death to life today. I ask that You would help me to take one day at a time and focus on Your love for me here and now. Amen.
- Vicar Tim Norton, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Navajo, New Mexico
Our Navajo ministry had much to celebrate this past Easter. Read "He Is Risen! Easter Celebrations Navajo Style."