The Lord be with you
There are many today who look around and see “the signs of the times” and conclude the end is near. The reality is that there is nothing new about this concern among faithful Christians. Below is a quote from Valerius Herberger (1562-1627) who concludes that the “evening of the world is at hand.” His analogy to evening has been used before, many times. The first person I know of to use it was Pope Gregory the Great [540-604]. The real question for Christians is not when Christ will return but how should we live because we know he will return [Matthew 24:36]. And how should we live? Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us that we should live with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Isaac went to meet his bride at evening. Oh Lord Jesus, the evening of the world is already coming. At evening, light and darkness mingle together. In the same way, everything in the world is becoming confused; everything is changing, everything going awry. The world is sliding toward death. The evening of the world is at hand. Therefore I will lift up my head, for my redemption draws nigh [Luke 21:28]. O Lord Jesus, You shall come soon to meet Your bride in the clouds and lead her into blessedness. O my Lord Jesus, we too shall be caught up to meet You and behold You in great gladness.
Valerius Herberger The Great Works of God, Parts Three and Four: The Mysteries of Christ in the Book of Genesis, Chapters 16-50 141
Blessings in Christ
Pastor Rickert