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Here we go again. Another prediction of the end of the world. The catalyst this time being the Mayan Calendar. But as I understand it, it’s not based on specific incidents alluded to by the Mayans but that it’s done, it runs out, no longer keeping a record of times or dates beyond December 21,2012.

In response to this much bally-hooed occurrence has come a lot of discussion – at least in some circles – and some fearful contemplation of life after – what? The end of the world or the end of civilization as we know it? Taking advantage of people’s natural curiosity, a movie has been made sensationalizing this predicted end while two cable network shows are chronicling some people’s preparations for it. All of which is reminiscent of the Y2K hysteria of 2000, when every computer in the world was going to fail to recognize the date change and shut down – not just themselves, but the banks and stores, the power companies and sewage plants, the police stations, hospitals and fire depts. Planes were going to fall from the sky, cars refuse to run, the military grind to a halt from lack of fuel and provisions; leaving us vulnerable to looting and chaos domestically with our borders open to attack – if any enemy could figure out how to do so.

It didn’t happen. What did occur was a lot of people were unnecessarily scared witless, a few becoming curious as to what scripture had to say concerning the “end”, while others became wealthy peddling guns, ammo and other survival gear to people gullible enough to heed their incessant cries to “be prepared to keep what you’ve got and fight back!”

Unfortunately, this is nothing new, the “end of days” being repeatedly forecast throughout history. In particular, at the fall of Rome’s Western Empire and the takeover of much of Europe by the barbarian hordes, then again when the Eastern half of the Empire fell to the Saracen armies accompanied by the introduction of Mohammedanism into Eastern Europe and beyond. The rise and fall of numerous societies and kingdoms before and since being the occasion for countless claims of the end as well, sometimes “predicted” by crop failures, comet sightings, outbreaks of disease – particularly the bubonic plague of the Middle Ages – more recently by the swine flu epidemic of the early 1900’s, and now SARS and AIDS. The year 1000 scared people to death, mirroring the histrionics of 2000; the Great Depression and more recently the Great Recession causing people to question the meaning of life and our ability to sustain it on a number of levels.

You would expect more of Christians, but many within the church fall prey to the same insecurities and the unpredictable nature of the future in much the same way; repeatedly predicting the end of the world and/or the return of Christ – which hasn’t happened either. It all started with the early church, which believed Christ’s return would occur within weeks or months, and certainly no more than a couple of years from his ascension. In fact, Paul many have been addressing some early believers penchant for ridding themselves of the worries of the world by divesting themselves of all property and responsibility and sitting atop the nearest hilltop looking for Jesus to return; declaring “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Why the confusion concerning this topic and what should we really be doing? Shouldn’t we anticipate Christ’s return? Of course. Can we control it? Absolutely not. Is there something we should be doing until He decides the time is right? Absolutely. (Having said that, I must admit that numerous times in my lifetime, conditions have seemed right for Christ’s return – at least to my understanding of things – which is exactly the problem.)

I find it interesting that Matthew 28 and Acts 1 record Christ’s ascension into heaven and his directions to his followers, with a twist. Acts revealing Jesus’ instructions for them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Matthew recording the Great Commission given to all believers to, “..go and make disciples of all nations,…”; one offering consolation and assurance, the other rallying to a purpose. The one generating a question, “…are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” The other inspiring obedience to a call of service powered by the reality of that gift.

Crucial to our discussion today is Jesus’ response to the question of restoring the kingdom to Israel. His reply serving to answer any questions concerning His return then and now. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power…and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7,8 A declaration reinforcing one already made in a previous discussion concerning the end of the age some time before. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36

In fact, several points in this discourse are key to answering the questions posed today. Jesus encouraging us to indeed, “…keep watch…”, looking to the signs and being aware of the times – in a general sense, “…because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42 But that fact should not discourage us, causing us to do nothing; but rather inspire us to anticipate his return by keeping busy so as to be found doing what he instructed us to do.

Some signs are ambiguous, having been fulfilled wholly or in part, others awaiting fulfillment at some future date. Some are beyond our comprehension. It’s really difficult to be certain of their unfolding. (While some are merely misunderstood or misapplied, see Mark 9:1 which was fulfilled in the transfiguration and Matthew 24:34, fulfilled when “all these things have happened.”) We need to strike a balance between recognizing the evidences of his involvement in world affairs while accepting the fact that God alone is in control. Many of the particulars of what he chooses and why is really none of our business. Our “business” being to, “…go and make disciples, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus specifically cautions us against being deceived by false Christ’s (Matthew 24:4 & 24), to not be overly alarmed by man’s penchant for violence and warfare as it relates to the end of time (Mat.24:6-8), and to not fear what might be done to us by them as much as what could by done by Him. (Matthew 10:28) If we are to understand anything, it is this: Be ready at all times so that whenever our “rapture” occurs – whether by His return, age, illness, disease or accident – He will find us faithfully continuing His ministry in obedience to His word. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant,…?” “…that servant whose master finds him doing…”, what he was left in charge of. Matthew 24:42-46

The linchpin of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 is found in verse 14 “…this gospel… will be preached in the whole world… and then the end will come.” We haven’t accomplished that goal yet. So get up and get busy, not concerning yourself so much with the end of the world but with the Day of the Lord. “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” Where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. (Either in a too-late recognition of his majesty and glory or in honor and praise of it.). As,”…each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14;10-12 Where we will either hear, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!” Matthew 7:23 or “Well done, good and faithful servant!... Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Inerrancy