We Don’t Know Squat–Be Ready

“No one knows about that day or hour", not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”  Matthew 24:26

I am blogging this on Sunday, May 22.  Obviously Harold Camping’s prophecies did not happen that the world as we really know it would end on May 21.  This is the latest of many predictions of the end of time.  It has happened countless times before, it will happen many more times to come. I am not about to mock Mr. Camping as a “quack”.  This article provides a balanced view. 

The prediction of doom apparently has led to some little cottage businesses.  According to the Wall Street Journal, the heightened interest in this event has spawned several cottage businesses.  One by a professed atheist promises to take care of pets of those that are raptured.  Another one captures e-mail messages that can be forwarded to loved ones in the event of the rapture. 

I absolutely believe that believers in Christ will be raptured out of this world in the “moment in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor 15:52): Those that are in Christ Jesus will be “saved from the hour of wrath” (1 Thess 5:9).  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).  However, it is a waste of time to try to determine when that is.  My words above I will repeat “We Don’t Know Squat”.  Think about it for a second if God gave certain people the “clues” to figure out the end of time, we would change our whole behavior in a negative way.  We wouldn’t be living, we would be forever preparing.  It is about living for Jesus and anticipating his imminent return.  These attitudes should mark the Christian living for Christ’s return.

Be ready – the parables of Jesus all talk about readiness.  Are we ready or will Christ come when we are not ready.  If Jesus were to come back tomorrow, what would he find you or me doing?

Be diligent – the end time should enlighten us to the depravity of our world and the limited opportunity to see others come to the kingdom.  Is there a sense of urgency?  

Be concerned – Do we have a love for the lost?  Do we have a passion to serve people?  Does your heart break knowing some have not made a decision for Christ. 

Be aware – End time events cast a shadow before the end times.  Jesus does tell us we will hear and see of increased natural disasters, wars, attitudes, that will come upon the earth.  These signs are listed in Matthew 24. 

I find myself calloused sometimes, lacking the urgency of someone who knows that times are limited.  One Christ may come again in my lifetime.  Two, I may not live another day.  I could get taken home tomorrow.  I want to live my life with that sense of urgency.  I can at least thank Mr. Camping for raising that awareness in all of us.