Today's the Day; The End

If you are reading this post the world probably did not end as many believed would happen today as a result of the Mayan calendar ending. Or, it's possible that may yet happen, but you're reading this early in the day. 

In case you are one of that dozen or so folks who've never heard about this, here's a brief story about the (non?)- event.

The world will end! This existence; history; will not go on forever. We don't need any wacky Mayans to give us fantastic stories and predictions. There are books and websites galore which "explain" the time, the place, the details. Many of these books are written by earnest, but misguided Christians.

The problem with all these predictions is that they fly in the face of what the Bible actually says. Jesus Himself stated that  "no one knows" when the last day will be.  (Matthew 24:36).  

Do we know anything about the final events of history? Sure we do. What we may know is explained in several places in Scripture, like Acts 1: 10-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; 2 Peter 3:10; Jude 14,15; and 1 John 2:28. These all give us an inkling, but no details; certainly no time frame. What do we know for sure?

• Jesus is coming back (in the same manner in which he left (Acts 1:10-11).
• There will be a judgment (see John 12:48 for some important news on this).
• Those who belong to Jesus will reign with Him forever. 

There are a few other details, but these are the most important in my estimation. Theologians and theologian-wannabes will continue to argue about this until it actually happens. What's really important is preparation. Once again, I can assure you that you can read many exhortations regarding how to get ready. But, again, the Bible tells us what's important. In 2 Peter 3:10-18, we get good advice from the Apostle Peter. He tells us, the end is coming and you DO NOT know when that will be. So be prepared. How? 

1. Be diligent to be found by Him without spot of blemish and at peace. (verse 14)
2. (T)ake care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. (verse 17)
3. But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (verse 18)

Don't forget to tell others about Him, either.

Now, the last major end of world catastrophe that was widely anticipated (not counting the various predictions of Harold Camping) was Y2K. That year-end was supposed to bring devastation to the world because computers could not handle (it was believed) the numeric switchover to a new century. Planes were going to fall out of the sky. Computer-related medical instruments would fail. People would die all over the place.

Being the skeptics and party animals that we are, Sandra and I hosted a series of ten parties at the end of 1999 and into 2000. We had fun and nobody died. I suggest a similar course of action for what's left of today. Have a party. If the world ends - and you are in Christ - you go to heaven. If the world doesn't end that day, you had a party.

The world as we know it could end that day. If it does it won't be because some Mayan stone cutter ran out of rock. It will be because the Creator of the world has said, "That's enough."  For, ...with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." He's patient. But, the day will come. In His time.