Recent events have led me to recall the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 regarding the end of the age.
Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place.” (Mt 24:6a). Russia has invaded Ukraine. Taiwan said that China may invade it, and Japan also said likewise, fearing instability in East Asia.
He went on to say, “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Mt 24:7b-8). Not forgetting droughts and wildfires in various parts of the world like Iraq and New Mexico, increasing news of earthquakes especially from Indonesia and Japan has been reported.
Our Lord also warned us, “Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Mt 24:12). Just last week, a scammer sent numerous email messages to our office staff impersonating me. Hopefully no one was conned by this scammer. Another incident happened when some friends visited my house over the weekend. His car couldn’t start because the battery had gone flat, and so I went around the car park asking for help. All the car owners I approached gave the excuse that they were busy and could not help. Then it dawned upon me that they all viewed me as a likely con artist. Therefore, they would rather mind their own business than to get into any trouble.
I hope you don’t see me as a doomsayer if I seem to be heading that way. My purpose rather is to emphasise what Jesus said in verse 13. “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mt 24:13). All of us cannot predict when our end will be. Those who are more senior would feel that their end is approaching fast, whereas many at the other end of the age spectrum might think otherwise. Whichever stage of life we are in, let us learn to embrace the changes that are happening around us. Just as Jesus loves us, let us love one another and may our love for mankind endure forever.
Ps Frankie Koh
