Apocalyptic language and imagery is pervasive in our culture, from film and tv (Hunger Games, Walking Dead), to all manner of public discourse (especially political). The question this passage addresses is: What do you do in the aftermath of an apocalypse? In other words, when the world seems to be falling apart at the seams, how do we respond? The amazing thing about this passage is that it shows us first how God responds, and how his response is an invitation for us to respond accordingly.