Obstacle or Opportunity

I remember in my youth that some spiritual leaders would use the Bible verses that talked about the end time to scare people in seeing their need to be saved. There are many leaders today who make a lot of money by predicting dates as to Christ's coming. There are charismatic leaders who claim to have inside information and great ability to know things that Jesus said only His Father in heaven knows anything about. Even well meaning Christians for thousands of years have claimed that Christ would come back within their life-time, but over and over they have been proven wrong. This kind of emphasis discouraged me from furthering my education as a young man. My reasoning was, "these older Christians surely know the Bible better than I do, so why study to get a degree when Christ is coming back before I graduate anyway".
Jesus clearly teaches that we should not follow people who keep claiming that the end is near. Without a question the end is always near for us as individuals. I am already sixty two years old. In some ways it only seems like yesterday when I was sixteen. We must be careful to not project our worries and fears onto other people when we see huge earthquakes like the one in Haiti this week. Jesus taught us as His disciples not to worry about persecution & earthquakes, but rather to see these as opportunities to tell others about our faith. Later in this passage Jesus assures us that He will give us the words we are to say during trying circumstances. Fear sees it as an obstacle. Faith sees it as an opportunity. The choice is up to us.
　
Luke 21:8
Jesus taught his disciples, "Watch out for the doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, 'I'm the One,' or, 'The end is near.' Don't fall for any of that. Luk 21:9
When you hear of wars and uprisings, keep your head and don't panic. This is routine history and no sign of the end." Luk 21:10
He went on, "Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Luk 21:11
Huge earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. You'll think at times that the very sky is falling.
Luk 21:12
Before all this happens; you will be arrested and punished. You will be tried in your meeting places and put in jail. Because of me you will be placed on trial before kings and governors. Luk 21:13
But this will be your chance to tell about your faith. Luk 21:14
Make up your mind right now not to worry about it.
These verses are from the more contemporary English versions of the Bible. You may want to read them in context from your Bibles. I believe these accurately depict what Jesus was teaching us. May we all be followers of Christ and not be overly enamored with earthly leaders. Experience teaches us that those who allow themselves to be put up on high pedestals....usually fall off. Instead of seeing this Haitian earthquake as an obstacle, let?s see it as an opportunity to share our faith. Fear says these are obstacles. Faith says they are opportunities.
Selah....Al Yoder