NIGHTFALL

…night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4

Jesus, our example of everything a man should be (1Pet.2:21), establishes a pattern for us in John 9:4. Regarding His own opportunities to labor for the Father, He is profoundly mindful of the brevity of His own earthly span; His hour would soon come. This is an admonition that is reiterated throughout the Scriptures. Solomon therefore advises us, in light of our mortality: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Eccl. 9:10).

Easily we withdraw into pessimistic resignation when confronted with societal putrefaction and declining church attendance. “Why prepare for long-term efforts? Why attempt anything great for God when facing a lost cause? Darkness envelopes the entire world… The signs of Tribulation swiftly approach… Quit and wait for the Rapture!” 

Yes, it is with good reason that Grace Brethren people are not postmillennialists (folks who believe that society is progressing towards paradisical conditions, and that the Church itself will usher in the Kingdom before the return of Christ). As premillennialists, we rightly believe that nothing short of the physical Presence of Jesus Himself can inaugurate Millennial glory.

It’s inarguable that fallen human civilization is in its death-spiral (Dan.2:35). But it’s also true that such times of general descent can see moments of revival (e.g., Josiah’s reforms amidst the overall decline of Judah; 2Kings 22-23).    

The commentator Albert Barnes correctly notes that the aged must be mindful of the season; the hour quickly approaches when we will have fully exhausted our earthly opportunities to glorify God through our service. Likewise, the young are not guaranteed another tomorrow. Wherever we are positioned on life’s arc, let us acknowledge that it has pleased God to keep us here, for HIS purposes. “TO THE WORK!”

Terry L. Reese