Where Will You be in 2012?
05/10/08 17:24
There is a lot of talk about the year 2012 and the
return of Jesus Christ. I’m sticking with my
Bible and with what Jesus said two thousand years
ago, “No one knows about that day or hour, not
even the angels in heaven…” There are
some things that God has cloaked in mystery and He
did so for a reason! Sure it’s neat to study
end-time prophecies and watch the daily headlines for
any hint of fulfillment, but in the long run it can
do more damage than good. “Why?” you may
ask; it is because it keeps you from asking the
really important question surrounding these times.
“Where will I be in the year 2012?” Now, I’m not talking about where you will be living, or what job or career you may have, if you’ll be married or have grandchildren. No, I’m strictly talking about your spiritual state and your relationship with God. What does it matter if by the year 2012, you have gained the whole world and yet are completely lost as far as God is concerned?
The rise of apocalyptic expectations may have a very positive effect on some folks, but for most, it only strikes another new fear to add to the ever-growing list. Twenty years ago I felt as though Jesus could rapture His Church at any moment –I still feel this very strongly. The return of Jesus Christ is imminent, which means that He can return now! The men who wrote the New Testament thought so! Paul thought the time was short. The writer of Hebrews said that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as some were in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another –and all the more as we see the Day approaching. James tells us to be patient, standing firm, for the Lord’s coming is near… The Judge is standing at the door! Finally, Peter exhorts us to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray. Why? Because the end of all things is near.
When we hear of new things happening in today’s world that seem to correlate with the prophetic announcements of the Bible, we should be all the more determined to draw closer to God.
When I was given chores to do while my mother was away I would put off doing them until I thought she was soon to return. I know, I know, that wasn’t the best display of character. But at eight years of age I was more interested in playing than fulfilling responsibilities. I think it has something to do with human nature!
But think about it for one minute; how does it effect you when you think about Jesus coming back, let’s say… a week from now? Would you feel as though you had to buckle down? What if it was a year from now? Would you think that you still had time to play? What if it was the year 2012 when He’ll return? What would your thoughts be today? You would have just a little over four years left of this life. How would you prioritize? What would become important to you? What would become less important? Finally, where are you going to be in 2012? We are all going to be somewhere; I guarantee you that one. If you have ever spent time in intimate prayer with God, you know what glory that we experience while there. Now we commune with Him by faith. Now, we see through a “glass darkly” but then, we shall see Him face to face!
Oh, what glory divine, what joys shall be ours, what peace we shall behold! Brothers and Sisters, the King is coming. Will it be in 2012? It will be in an hour that we think not… He’ll come as a thief… It will be as fast as lightning! You and I need not fear, nor do we need to know the exact time of His return. For we have the same assurance as David when he said, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life –and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
“Where will I be in the year 2012?” Now, I’m not talking about where you will be living, or what job or career you may have, if you’ll be married or have grandchildren. No, I’m strictly talking about your spiritual state and your relationship with God. What does it matter if by the year 2012, you have gained the whole world and yet are completely lost as far as God is concerned?
The rise of apocalyptic expectations may have a very positive effect on some folks, but for most, it only strikes another new fear to add to the ever-growing list. Twenty years ago I felt as though Jesus could rapture His Church at any moment –I still feel this very strongly. The return of Jesus Christ is imminent, which means that He can return now! The men who wrote the New Testament thought so! Paul thought the time was short. The writer of Hebrews said that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as some were in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another –and all the more as we see the Day approaching. James tells us to be patient, standing firm, for the Lord’s coming is near… The Judge is standing at the door! Finally, Peter exhorts us to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray. Why? Because the end of all things is near.
When we hear of new things happening in today’s world that seem to correlate with the prophetic announcements of the Bible, we should be all the more determined to draw closer to God.
When I was given chores to do while my mother was away I would put off doing them until I thought she was soon to return. I know, I know, that wasn’t the best display of character. But at eight years of age I was more interested in playing than fulfilling responsibilities. I think it has something to do with human nature!
But think about it for one minute; how does it effect you when you think about Jesus coming back, let’s say… a week from now? Would you feel as though you had to buckle down? What if it was a year from now? Would you think that you still had time to play? What if it was the year 2012 when He’ll return? What would your thoughts be today? You would have just a little over four years left of this life. How would you prioritize? What would become important to you? What would become less important? Finally, where are you going to be in 2012? We are all going to be somewhere; I guarantee you that one. If you have ever spent time in intimate prayer with God, you know what glory that we experience while there. Now we commune with Him by faith. Now, we see through a “glass darkly” but then, we shall see Him face to face!
Oh, what glory divine, what joys shall be ours, what peace we shall behold! Brothers and Sisters, the King is coming. Will it be in 2012? It will be in an hour that we think not… He’ll come as a thief… It will be as fast as lightning! You and I need not fear, nor do we need to know the exact time of His return. For we have the same assurance as David when he said, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life –and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
|