Texts: Isaiah 65: 17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13; Luke 21:5–19

The question of the End Times has troubled the hearts of believers from the days of Christ until now. When Jesus spoke about the destruction of the Temple, His disciples immediately asked, “Teacher, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign…?” (Luke 21:7). Jesus did not give them a date. Instead, He offered signs—spiritual, political, social, and moral indicators that would help believers prepare for His return. Similarly, in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we encounter a different challenge: believers who, because of their excitement about the coming of the Lord, abandoned their responsibilities, grew idle, and lived disorderly lives. Together, these texts teach us how to recognize the signs of the End Times and how to live faithfully in these last days.

In todays reading, Jesus begins in Luke 21:5–19 by drawing the attention of His followers away from earthly glory. When the disciples admired the beauty of the Temple, He told them that “not one stone will be left on another.” This striking statement reminds us that earthly structures, wealth, fame, and human achievements will all collapse. Nothing built on human pride will endure. Therefore, we must anchor our lives not on temporary things, but on eternal foundations—faith, righteousness, and obedience to God.

Jesus also warns that the End Times will be marked by deception. “Many will come in My name… Do not be deceived” (v. 8). This speaks to the rise of false messiahs, fake prophets, misleading visions, and miracles without holiness. In such a season, we; the Christian must remain rooted in Scripture and test every spirit to avoid being misled. Alongside spiritual deception will come political unrest: “Nation will rise against nation” (vv. 9–10). Wars, terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and global tension will shake the world, yet Jesus says, “Do not be terrified.” Our peace must not depend on world events but on Jesus, the Christ.

Furthermore, Jesus describes natural disasters—earthquakes, famines, and pestilences—as additional signs (v. 11). Creation itself will groan as history moves toward God’s final purposes. Then He warns of persecution: believers will be arrested, betrayed by family, hated for His name, and brought before authorities (vv. 12–17). The End Times, therefore, are not merely a period of external chaos but also a season of intense spiritual opposition. Yet amid all these, Jesus assures His followers of divine protection: “Not a hair of your head will perish… By your endurance you will gain your souls” (vv. 18–19). Endurance, not fear, is the mark of the true disciple in the last days.

Paul addresses another side of End-Time living in 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13. The excitement surrounding Christ’s return had led some believers into idleness and disorder. They stopped working, abandoned their duties, and became burdens to others. Paul admonishes the church to “keep away from every brother who is idle and disruptive” (v. 6). Spiritual readiness must never lead to irresponsibility. Instead, Paul points to his own example: he and his team worked hard day and night so that no one would accuse them of laziness (vv. 7–9). End-Time spirituality is not demonstrated through disorder but through discipline, hard work, and responsible living.

Paul strongly rejects what we may call “End-Time laziness.” He states plainly, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat”NCNC (v. 10). Expecting Christ’s return is not an excuse to abandon our farms, professions, duties, or families. We, the believers of our Lord Jesus, the Christ must continue to teach, build, trade, plan, and serve faithfully. Paul further cautions against becoming busybodies—talking much and working little (v. 12). End-Time Christians must be productive, humble, and supportive, not a burden to others. He concludes with a powerful charge: “Do not become weary in doing good” (v. 13). Even in a world filled with evil, discouragement, and persecution, we must continue praying, giving, helping, preaching, loving, and serving. This is the true calling of the faithful in the last days.

The relevance of these teachings is clear for today’s church. First, we the believers must stay spiritually awake through prayer and deep engagement with the Word. Second, we must not fear the signs of the times, for God remains our refuge. Third, we must continue working faithfully—in the church, in our families, and in society. Fourth, love must remain alive in our hearts, regardless of the moral coldness around us. Fifth, we must stand firm in persecution, trusting that God is our shield. Sixth, we must endure patiently, for Jesus teaches that endurance is the key to salvation. Finally, we must live responsibly, preparing for Christ’s return while faithfully fulfilling our earthly duties.

In conclusion, the signs of the End Times are unmistakably present: spiritual deception, global instability, natural disasters, moral decline, and persecution. Yet Jesus encourages us, “Do not be terrified… By your endurance you will gain your souls” (Luke 21:9, 19). Paul adds, “Do not become weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13). Therefore, let us watch, let us work, let us pray, and let us remain faithful until the Lord appears in glory.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.

By Rev. Sylvanus Yao Kpodonu