The End of the World
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, . . . Hebrews 1:1-2a
In these last days – It’s the eschaton! In case you’re not familiar with this word, eschaton means “the final event in the divine plan, the end of the world.” Our English word comes directly from the Greek eschaton meaning “last.” The gloss of eschaton is “last,” but the translation of eschaton is a lot more complicated. When the author of Hebrews uses the phrase ep’ eschatou ton ‘eimeron (in last the days), does he mean that the end of the world has arrived or does he mean that we are now in the time when the end of God’s plan is revealed? For us the answer is obviously the second choice. We are still here. The world hasn’t ended. But what about the audience of the first readers of this letter? They didn’t have 2,000 years of hindsight. Are we to imagine that they thought the end of the world was right around the corner? Some scholars have suggested that this is the case, and therefore (in hindsight) the writer was mistaken. In fact, it is sometimes assumed by scholars that Paul also believed the end was at hand (if this is the case, he too was mistaken).
However, the addition of “these” (touton) days makes it clear that the phrase should be read “in these days which are the last,” not “at the end of these days.” In other words, the real translation (not gloss) is something like, “God spoke in the past to the fathers . . . and in these present days, which are part of the last days, He has spoken in His Son.” The emphasis is on the means of communication, not on the temporal circumstances. As far as the author is concerned, “these last days” might go on for a very long time. What matters is that in these last days God has delivered His message in His Son just as He delivered His message in the prophets.
How does this help us apply this verse to us? First, it sets aside the argument that the New Testament authors were wrong about the end of the world. That’s nice, but perhaps not relevant. Secondly, it prepares us for waiting with the confidence that we are really in the last stage of the plan. But most importantly, it focuses our hope and discipleship on the message communicated through and in Yeshua. It’s not just what He said. It’s also what He did. Because God has communicated to us in His Son, we can be assured that the last stage of the plan is in place and the end is guaranteed, whenever it arrives.
This fact sets the tone for the letter to the Hebrews. That tone is hope! Yes, there are bad things happening. Yes, the world is a mess (and growing worse). But the arrival of the Son and the message He brings in word and deed establishes our hope. We can trust in justice, righteousness and mercy because God has revealed His final step in the cosmic plan. Today might not be the end of the world. Tomorrow might not be the end either. But it doesn’t matter. If I look at Yeshua, I see that the end is coming. That’s what matters. He will sit on the throne of righteousness and justice. Guaranteed!
Topical Index: eschaton, end, hope, these, touton, Hebrews 1:1-2
Revolutionary! I never have had the words to express myself with this kind of understanding. Thank you for helping me see what I have believed since a young man (That was a few years ago!). The issue of tiime has always been questionable, for me. An elder pastor when asked about the end of the world would always say, “I do not know when. I just know that I am a day closer than I was yesterday.” Clark’s words helped me and today’s article now gives me the rational for why his words were the truth. Thanks, Skip.
A good and hope-filled word for this day. Thanks, Skip…………….. Lookiing to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith.
Let us review this event which is written for us in the gospel according to Luke chapter 9.
“About a week after Yeshua said these things, he took Kefa, Yochanan and Ya`akov with him and went up to the hill country to pray. As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed; and his clothing became gleaming white. Suddenly there were two men talking with Him — Moshe and Eliyahu! They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke of His exodus, which He was soon to accomplish in Yerushalayim. Kefa and those with Him had been sound asleep; but on becoming fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. As the men were leaving Yeshua, Kefa said to Him, not knowing what he was saying, “It’s good that we’re here, Rabbi! Let’s put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu.” As he spoke, a cloud came and enveloped them. They were frightened as they entered the cloud; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”
Shema, O Israel.. -“listen to Him!” His own mother (who knew Him best) said unto the servants (John 2.5) -“Do whatever He tells you.” “Shema!” (Listen and obey.)
Now if I may take the part of the Advesary’s advocate for one moment.. I would ask as did poor ol’ Pharoah, “Who is the LORD that I should obey Him?” (Exodus 5.2) Oh, my friend, Pharoah found out didn’t he?- but by the time he did, he was on his way down to the bottom of the sea. It was too late for him, wasn’t it? – But, what about us? Are we listening to His voice and to His words today? G-d is still speaking to those who will listen. Amein? (or -oh me?)
Are we willing to ask this same question? (it’s a good one..) “Who is the LORD that I should obey Him?” (helpful household hint..) According to scripture and the testimony and witness of millions.. “The LORD- He is G-d.”
“In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5.12) I can’t hardly wait to sing in that choir! Jesus is LORD! Amein.
“Tomorrow might not be the end either. But it doesn’t matter. If I look at Yeshua, I see that the end is coming. That’s what matters.”
I think the point that Hombre makes, in his last words of the movie, is relevant here.
In the final scene, Hombre takes money down a hill to trade it for the life of a woman.
A wealthy woman who stole the money from his tribe in the first place.
In the process, Hombre hopes to save the “community” above and get the money back to his tribe.
But in fact Hombre is facing certain death, as there are three bad guys with guns aimed at him.
The leader of the bad guys, played well by Richard Boone, watches Hombre walk down the hill.
And when Hombre gets close to him, with a certain amount of admiration, he says:
“Mr, you gotta have a lot of hard bark on you walkin’ down here like this.”
And Hombre replies:
“We’re all going to die, it’s just a matter of when.” 🙂