Dear Editor,

The concept of “the end of the world” has littered the thoughts of many individuals and social media in recent times. The biblical annals, in many instances, speak about signs and wonders which would be seen in the heavens. Consequently, many advent believers have used the recent visit of the pope to address the UN or even the blood moon eclipse over the weekend to state that the end is here. However, is this statement factual? Can we actually use signs to speak definitively about the end of the world?

It is not strange that many people are in a state of panic as they see these signs. Too often individuals have been led astray based on what they expect to happen, but did not see happening. A misconception can be hard to break and often leads one to faulty biblical interpretation. In this light, there are testimonials and stories of individuals and groups who predicted something, but were bitterly disappointed.

For years these questions surfaced time and again, but they were constantly swept under the rug. Questions like these have always been left unaddressed. In the words of author H Wayne Pipkin, “Apocalyptic concerns have been part and parcel of the Christian way since the earliest times. The impulse to read the signs of the times as an indication to the dawn of the new age surfaces regularly in the Church’s history.”

But just what is the purpose of signs and wonders? Let me remind that Jesus warned against looking for signs and wonders. Matthew 16: 4 records his strong rebuke. Could we also be in opposition to the mission of God by looking for signs and wonders?

I wish to posit a few things; firstly, signs and wonders demonstrate the reality that there is a creator who controls time and space. Secondly, as is seen from the accounts of Joel, Ezekiel and Revelation, God always stands up for his people during their difficult moments. He always delivers his people from their immediate situation and gives them a new direction in life. This is the principal message of these apocalyptic books; they are not meant to be misused or misapplied to any particular country or individual.

Sadly, based on the way in which many people are cultured they will find it hard to accept or see things from another perspective. God does not want us to be involved in sign reading or predicting; that is not our goal or our purpose. This can only lead one to a dark side of apocalyptic or end-time signs. Now is not the time to be involved in sign reading. Now is the time to be busy staying ready for the second return of Jesus.

Nicordo Wilson

nicordo@stu.ncu.edu.jm