| Biblical eschatalogical literature deals with the "end times". We make a mistake when we assume the Bible foretells the future. There are those who are preparing for the end of time because of the ramifications of the Near Eastern conflict, based on their reading of the Bible. Eschatalogical literature, on the other hand, is a reflection on and projection of the present reality in light of the justice and love of God.
Malachi (3:19-20a), in reflecting on the reality of the times he lived in the Old Testament, and Luke (20: 27-38), recounting the life and meaning of the Christ, both spoke of cataclysmic events. I recently saw a bumper sticker that reads “nature bats last”. With the abuse of our natural environment to our selfish purposes, global disaster is a very real outcome. As we heedlessly pave over habitats that for generations had evolved delicate ecological balances, we court a breakdown of the broader ecology on which we all depend.
But eschatalogical literature is not all gloom and doom, despite what many believers perceive. Eschatalogical literature contains a clear message of vindication and consolation.
Luke says, "They will seize and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name." We often are impressed by the power of evil to seduce and prevail. We see the misery of the oppressed and the suffering of the good. But, ultimately, it will be the just who will experience vindication: " but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your life."
Working for justice is often fraught with frustration and danger. At times, it seems every step forward is countered with two back. Eschatological literature promises that the ultimate consolation of the glory of God will have the last word. Working for justice is more than its own reward: it is the exemplar of eschatological ministry. Malachi says that “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”
The Psalms reflect joyfully on the fullness of revelation: "Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy. Before the Lord for he comes, for he comes to rule the earth; he will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. 98:5-6, 7-8, 9"
The eschatalogical skies of liberation sparkle with stars of the martyrs in El Salvador. Guatemala, and the Mangyans and Dumagats of Southern Tagalog in the Philippines!
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