The End of the World As We Know It

Today was supposed to be the end of the world.

Or something like that.

A Christian evangelist somehow predicted, using mathematical equations and numerical codes he says he found in the Bible, that Jesus would return to earth, and Judgement Day would begin, today, May 21st 2001, at 6pm local time, wherever you are.

My faith tells me, if Jesus were to return, I'd be ready and, should the rapture occur as some predict, I hope I'd be among those taken.  It's almost 7pm in Calfornia and I'm writing this, soooooooo ...... either it didn't happen, or I've been left behind.

I haven't seen any news stories or heard from any friends who are missing loved ones, so I'm betting on the latter.

Which leads me to the point of this post: a small but distinct part of me is letting out a quiet sigh of relief.

Whew.

As soon as I read about this supposed prophecy some months ago, a small part of me naturally went straight to thinking "hmmmm what if?"

What if Jesus did return today?

I mean, the teaching about Jesus' return is not outlandish in the Christian belief.  In fact, it's a core hope that all Christians should hold dear: a time when Christians will see the Lord Himself, and God will set all things right with the world.  Literally.

But I have to ask, only because I ask this of myself:  am I, and if you are a Christian are you, disappointed that The End is not here? Are you disappointed that Jesus did not return (which is perhaps the most glorious thing a Christian can look forward to), or did you, as I find myself doing, uttering a quite sigh of relief?

Ask yourself that question, and look deep down inside where we only admit the truth to ourselves.  I'm will to bet that many of your reading this feel the same way I do.  I feel kinda like this was a very small, insignificant bullet that was very unlikely to ever strike it's target, but I managed to dodge it.

Hence.... whew

But I can't help but think, as a Christian, this is not how I should feel.

Paul said in Philippians 1:21-24, "for to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.  Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ.  I really don't know which is better.  I'm torn between two desires: sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ.  That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live."

Do I "long to go be with Christ"?

Do you?

Jesus said to be ready at any time for his return.  In fact, he said to be vigilant, which means not only to be ready, but to be watchfully expectant; to live as if His return was imminent on any given day.

This day of failed prediction has certainly not shaken my faith, but it has been a cause for reflection and thought.  Jesus will return someday, of that I'm certain.  I hope He finds me, and you, faithful and ready when He really does come.

The Book of Revelation ends with this statement:  "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus, come. "

Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus, come, and find me faithful.