On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded Israel and brutally murdered innocent men, women, and children. It prompted not only a military response but also thoughts of the last days. Will this be the beginning of the end of the world as we know it? Are the armies in that part of the world going to join with Hamas in an attempt to wipe the Jewish people from off the face of the earth?

While the conflict in that part of the world is nothing new, it soon became disturbing how many people in other parts of the world share a hatred for the Jews. Riots broke out in American streets, and our colleges seemed to be more pro-terrorists than anyone would have imagined. Members of Congress and Senators came out against Israel, and the world seemed to go crazy.

Were innocent people in the Gaza Strip killed? Unfortunately, yes, just as innocent Israelis were killed in the attack on Israel that started this most recent conflict. That is one of the most heartbreaking aspects of any war: the innocents who suffer, often from the actions instigated by a few.

When something of this nature happens in the Middle East, people who wish to be perceived as modern-day prophets are quick to respond, and in direct disobedience to what Jesus said, they begin to set a date for either the Rapture, the Second Coming, or the end of time. As we have seen countless times in recent years, the date-setters have always been wrong. In my opinion, they have done more damage than good and have caused the world to look at the church as a whole in a negative light. They are crying “wolf” once again. It causes even the Christians to become skeptical.

The most fundamental truth often gets lost in all the discussions: Jesus is coming back one day. How should we look at that and be Biblically correct? The Apostle Paul perhaps said it best when he said in Romans 13:11-12, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent; the day is at hand.”

There are probably many ways to look at that, but let’s look at it in the two most straightforward ways. First, every day draws the world closer to when Jesus will return. Two thousand years have passed since those words were spoken to the Christians in Rome, so it’s a no-brainer to realize the world is approaching its end.

Secondly, and in many ways, more importantly, each of us are drawing closer to when our life on earth will end. My calling as a minister causes me to face death more often than most people because I’m asked to speak at funerals of family, friends, former church members, and sometimes people that I didn’t know. If they had no church affiliation, funeral homes have often called me. Every grave I stand beside is a vivid reminder that each of us has a rendezvous with God, and it could be sooner than later.

The question then becomes, are we ready for that day? It’s not a matter of “if” we will die but “when” will we die. The decisions we make and the life we live will determine where we spend eternity. As for me, I choose heaven. For me to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of the Lord,” I must accept Jesus as my Savior. Contrary to what some are saying today, there are not many ways to God; there is only one way, and it is through Jesus. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins? I cannot think of a better way to begin 2024 than surrendering your heart to Him and starting a brand-new life.