It’s likely you may have heard the news that the world is going to end next week on May 21, 2011. Yep, big EOTW campaign (end of the world) – lots of billboards and PSAs proclaiming judgment day is coming. Armageddon and all the cataclysmic events predicted in the Bible preceding the rapture are supposed to begin in a mere seven days.
Judgment day and doomsday predictions are certainly nothing new as there’ve been untold prophecies for as far back as I can remember. In fact, the same guy who predicted the end of the world would occur September 1994, Harold Camping, is the one spearheading this latest EOTW prediction (based on mathematical equations hidden in the Bible).
When I heard my first end of the world prediction back in 1976 I was a brand new baby Christian. As a new believer those predictions scared the bejeebers out of me. I had too much living to do for me to jump on board with the impending destruction of all mankind.
Now that I’m a well-seasoned mature believer there’s a part of me that thinks bring it on Lord … beam me up Scotty … stick a fork in me, I’m done! Life can be exhausting some days and can seem overwhelming. Sometimes it’d be nice to check out.
When I first heard this latest prediction for next week my first thought was I might as well have a piece of pie with my dinner (heck, maybe even two) because after next week none of it will matter anymore!
I think Erma Bombeck said it best: Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.
I’m not overly concerned about the predictions for next week’s worldwide demise for a couple of reasons. The Bible tells us no one knows the hour or the day (Mark 13:32-33). Jesus himself doesn’t even know the hour or the day. How can anyone hope to figure out the great mystery based on mathematical equations?
The main reason I’m not worried about when the world will come to a grinding halt is regardless of the hour, the day or the month it happens … I’m ready. I’m assured of my salvation and where I will spend my eternity. If I get hit by a bus tomorrow or if the Rapture happens next week, I’m ready.
Of course I continue to be concerned for unsaved friends and loved ones. I continue to pray for the salvation of the lost, but that doesn’t change my future. I’m ready.
I have a friend who puts a lot of faith in science rather than God. My statement to her has always remained the same: if you’re right and I’m wrong, when we die we simply cease to exist; return to nature and become worm food, we’ve lost nothing. But if you’re WRONG and I’M RIGHT, you’re in very big trouble.
If the Bible is to be believed (and I believe it is) when a non-believer dies they will face the judgment seat of Christ and have to account for their sins. If their name isn’t written in the Lambs Book of Life they will be cast into an eternal lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
Judgment day will eventually arrive for each of us. The mortality statistics remain high at 100%. The question is … are you ready? If you’re not sure about where you will spend your eternity, there’s no time like the present to get ready.
For me it’s not a tough choice … worm food, lake of fire or eternal life in a mansion with streets of gold and no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21). Call me what you will but I’m ready either way. My ticket has been pre-punched because I’ve accepted Christ as my Savior.
If you find yourself unsure about your eternal future the only way to be sure you have a pre-punched ticket to Heaven is to admit you’re a sinner and invite Jesus into your life. It’s that simple.
Are you ready? The clock is ticking.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NLT)
Weave in faith and God will find the thread. ~Author Unknown
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always and be ready when the trumpet calls. I ask all these things in your holy name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Kathleen Kurlin 