Letter to the Congregations: 21st December 2024

Our Dear Brethren,

In recent weeks, as I wake up in the morning hearing about the latest national or international newsworthy story that might have kept reporters awake through the night, I find myself wondering how much time we have left. How much time do we really have left before we see Jesus Christ returning to this earth? How much time do we have before we see the events described in the Bible that lead up to His return?

As I drink my morning cup of coffee and prepare for my day, trying not to become too distracted by these world events and what they might mean for God’s people, I am reminded of conversations I’ve had with brethren on this topic. I’ve heard some brethren older than me doubt if Jesus will return within their lifetime. I’ve heard the same speculation from people my age and younger. Others speculate that Jesus Christ will return in less than a decade. After all, aren’t we seeing events happen that Jesus spoke about that would lead up to His return?

When I read about world events, and I take another sip of my morning cup of coffee, I am reminded that things in this world will be getting much worse before they get better. Right now we live in a relatively peaceful time, but we do almost constantly “hear of wars and rumors of wars” (see Matthew 13:7). The prophet Daniel wrote about the coming resurrection of the saints and the promise of eternal life, but that won’t happen until the events at the end of the age unfold. The unfolding of the events given to Daniel in dreams and visions were sealed up “until the time of the end,” a time that looks more and more like the world we live in today: “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (see Daniel 12:4).

What advice did Jesus give us, knowing that we would see a world like that described by the prophet Daniel? And when we will see so many wars waiting to happen? “Do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 13:7). He went on to describe persecution and tribulation, but He left us with the hope of the resurrection of the saints that will accompany His return: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven” (Matthew 13:26-27).

Whether we have the constant struggles of daily life, or we are able to sit and peacefully drink coffee in the mornings without fear of harm, regardless of how far or near we are to the return of Christ to the earth, we are told to “watch and pray” (see Matthew 13:32-33). We don’t know “the day and hour” of His return, but we do know that we desire it. We don’t know when it will happen, but we do know that we must continue preparing ourselves spiritually for that time “lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch” (Matthew 13:36-37)!

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe