Meditate on and memorize 1 Peter 4:7 today…
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
I have always found this verse interesting…actually this whole passage which continues to verse 11.
It is hard not to look at our world and wonder if the “end is near.” I am sure every generation thinks the same thing but certainly this generation lines up with biblical prophecy in many ways. Knowledge has increased exponentially (Daniel 12:4). Our economic, religious and political systems are increasingly moving toward a “one world system.” Israel is now a nation and the situation in the Middle East is a powder keg. And the world is eagerly looking for someone to come in to power with the promise of peace and the answer to global problems.
So how are we supposed to respond if we are “living in the last days”? Peter gives us the answer in these verses.
In Peter’s mind, Jesus could come back at any time. Peter had seen Jesus ascend into heaven and was eagerly waiting for His return. Even though Jesus had said that the day and hour of His return was unknown, Peter had every reason to believe that it could happen soon. As Peter looked at the events in the Roman Empire, as he considered the growing power and insanity of Nero, and the increasing opposition against Christians, he believed that the end was near. In fact, in his second letter, he had to remind Christians that even though the end could happen at any time…but, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9).
Two thousand years later (or two days in God’s eyes), we are still looking to the end of all things when the events of Revelation will kick into gear. But Peter’s advice is as relevant to us today as it was to the believers in the first century.
So how do we live? The end of things is near. Therefore… Pursue wild speculations. Sell all you have. Stockpile supplies. Run to the hills. Isolate yourself. Get scared. Get angry. Get weird. No…
Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Think clearly. Don’t get caught up in trying to figure everything out, developing elaborate conspiracy theories, theorizing on the antichrist, etc. Think clearly. Keep your wits about you. Be smart. See through the wild speculations and stay grounded in the simplicity of Scripture.
Be self-controlled. Don’t go crazy, get weird, get anxious, get emotional, get radical or run around in a frenzy. Stay under control. Let your mind and your spirit control your emotions and your actions.
Why? So that you can pray. Stay connected to God. Depend on Him. Trust Him. Find your solace in Him. In the midst of the storm, grow your roots deeper in faith.
If we are in the last days, let’s focus more and more on renewing our minds in God’s Word and finding our strength in prayer. As we look to the skies, let’s be on our knees.
Lord, my prayer life is so weak. May the situation in this world drive me to my knees more and more. May I trust You and not give in to fear. May I be led by You and not follow my own agenda. May I be faithful in this generation for Your glory.