By Dhimas Anugrah
Thirteen years ago, people were in a frenzy. Rumors spread that December 21, 2012, would be the end of the world. Even though most knew it was just talk and predictions, many were still curious or worried. The buzz came from a Hollywood movie called “2012,” which was a hit everywhere.
Now, 2012 is far behind us, and life goes on. But fears about the end of the world haven’t gone away. A new wave of worry is rising, this time with a different cause. Back then, it was based on the ancient Mayan calendar. Today, it’s about 2030, and the warnings come from experts. Economists talk about a possible “Second Great Depression,” and scientists warn about shortages of food, water, and energy. This isn’t about myths anymore—it’s real data making people anxious again.
Reading Patterns, Not Crystal Balls
Facing a scary future can feel overwhelming, but Christian faith gives us a different way to look at it. Instead of freaking out or guessing dates, we’re encouraged to look at the signs wisely. Jesus clearly said in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, . . . only the Father.” Our faith isn’t about predicting the end, but about understanding the signs and responding with maturity.
The Bible uses a strong image to explain this: labor pains. Wars, famines, diseases, and natural disasters are like a mother’s contractions—painful and intense as birth gets closer. But the goal isn’t destruction—it’s the start of something new. Seen this way, we don’t view the coming crisis as the end, but as a difficult step toward something new and full of hope. So instead of asking, “Is the world ending?” we ask, “What is God tearing down, and what is He building?”
The Bible often shows this cycle of destruction and rebuilding. Inspired by God, the writers showed how His people responded to crisis—not with fear, but with bold and practical faith.
Take Noah, for example. While the world around him was falling apart, he didn’t panic or waste time. He followed one clear instruction: build an ark. It was a huge task that took faith and patience, even when people mocked him (see Genesis 6). That ark became the starting point for a new world. Noah didn’t hold on to the past—he made room for the future.
Later, Jeremiah lived through the downfall of his people. His message was tough: destruction was coming. But even in heartbreak, he sparked hope. He told the exiles in Babylon to do something surprising: build houses, plant gardens, and seek the prosperity of the city where they lived (see Jeremiah 29). Planting in exile was a bold act of faith, trusting that something good could grow even in a foreign land.
The early church followed the same path. When a plague hit Rome and leaders ran away, Christians stayed to care for the sick—no matter who they were. They didn’t grab power. Instead, they built a new kind of community, one that overcame Rome not with violence, but with love and kindness.
Becoming a Sign of Hope in Our Time
These three stories show that when the world’s systems collapse, God’s people aren’t called to panic in vain. They’re meant to notice the signs (see Matthew 16:3) and start planting seeds for a new world in the middle of the ruins.
Today, with so much uncertainty around us, we’re challenged to ask: What kind of “ark,” “garden in exile,” and “community” can we build now?
Our “ark” might not be a big boat, but small groups that protect truth and humanity in a world full of lies and division.
“Planting a garden” could mean building strong social ties, helping local businesses, and creating an economy based on kindness instead of greed. Every relationship we build shows that hope can grow even in tough places.
And our “community of support” starts with radical hospitality—what I call an “open dining table.” This isn’t just talk—it’s action.
Churches in Poland welcoming Ukrainian refugees, or Christian groups in the U.S. helping Afghan families, speak louder than any sermon. These safe spaces—where the hungry and lonely are welcomed, and identity barriers are broken—prove that love creates shared homes, not walls.
So, what should we do when the future feels scary?
The answer is simple: don’t panic.
Do what Noah did—build an ark in a world that doesn’t care.
Do what Jeremiah did—plant a garden in an unlikely place.
Do what the church in Poland did—open a table for those who are cold and afraid.
These aren’t desperate attempts to save ourselves. They’re ways to join in God’s work. As the old world falls apart, we can start building something new.
We might not stop the storm. But we can be a small “ark” for someone. We can be a “garden” that feeds a family. We can be a “safe space” that sparks hope in uncertain times. That’s what keeps us grounded.
Read Also:
Discovery Series “Who’s My Neighbor?”
How do you make loving others a priority in a fast-paced world? Maybe we feel like we don’t have the time, energy, or resources to love our neighbors.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus both tells us who our neighbor is and shows us what it means to love them. God loves our neighbors and has invited us to do the same. Learn how loving your neighbors is a blessing to you and them.
Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.
