“May you live in interesting times.” This backhanded blessing is claimed to be derived from a Chinese curse. In reality, the expression is of English origin. “Interesting times” is a euphemism for times of trouble, making the blessing into a veiled warning of misfortune.
Whether warning or blessing, we certainly live in interesting times.
Many ministries that focus on Bible prophecy are emphasizing the rising darkness and pointing to developments that will come to fruition during the Tribulation—after the Church has been raptured. Other evangelical ministries ignore any warning in their effort to emphasize only the grace and mercy of God—leaving those who reject Jesus’ offer of salvation oblivious that His wrath abides on them (John 3:36).
The Christ-follower’s mission is to walk the fine line—what you might call “the straight and narrow path.” While encouraging all those who are awaiting the Lord’s return, we warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come and into the loving arms of our Savior. We consider it a great privilege to live in such a time as this, when we can witness the converging fulfillment of prophecies “many prophets and righteous men” of old longed to see (Matthew 13:16-17).
Jesus’ observation to His disciples 2,000 years ago has been true throughout the Church Age, and certainly still applies today.
Yet, because we are so blessed, we are held to a level of accountability that exceeds those who lived in Old Testament times. Jesus made this clear when He dictated seven letters to churches throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Those letters in Revelation 2-3 are full of commendation, admonition, revelation, and promise.
For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, the letters of Revelation still offer urgent messages of warning and hope to the Church today and individual Christians alike. The Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty, assures us that He IS coming again soon.
You and I are promised a blessing for simply reading what Jesus revealed to His bond-servants. But are we really listening?
