“The World Will End in 2012!” I read these headlines posted online and most major publications – and so did you.
In fact, I remember them so well because the exact prediction, according to the ancient Mayan calendar was December 21, 2012.
This date is my anniversary so I was intrigued!
I did a bit of research on the subject and this is the most interesting:
“The 2012 phenomenon was a range of eschatological beliefs that cataclysmic or transformative events would occur on or around 21 December 2012.
This date was regarded as the end-date of a 5,126-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, and festivities took place on 21 December 2012 to commemorate the event in the countries that were part of the Maya civilization.
These included; Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, with main events at Chichén Itzá in Mexico and Tikal in Guatemala.
Various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae were proposed for this date. A New Age interpretation held that the date marked the start of a period during which Earth and its inhabitants would undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation. And, 21 December 2012 would mark the beginning of a new era.
Others suggested that the date marked the end of the world or a similar catastrophe.
The Black Hole?
Scenarios suggested for the end of the world included the arrival of the next solar maximum, an interaction between Earth and the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy.
Or, maybe the Earth would collide with a mythical planet called Nibiru.” – wiki
Wow! It’s frightening to discover how many “scientists” seem to believe in science fiction, isn’t it?
Christ Will Return on _______________________________.
You fill in the blank. Many modern day “prophets” have predicted the return of Christ. None of them were correct.
Truthfully, you’ll find multiple verses in the Bible contradicting their predictions. Jesus makes it clear that only the Father knows the day and time.
For example, Matthew 25:13 says:
“Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.“
So, when will Jesus Christ return? It certainly wasn’t during the end of the world in the year 2012 as the movies predicted.
Nope, it didn’t come to pass. So, the key phrase for us is to remain watchful and be alert.
Jesus Tells about His Return
“But in those days, following that distress, “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
“At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.
I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” ~ Mark 13:24-31 NASB
The Second Coming as Explained by Jesus
All the predictions Jesus made in these verses from Matthew came to pass. And, many of the disciples lived to see them.
For instance, the temple in Jerusalem did not stand very long. It was completed around the year 64 AD and was completely destroyed by the Romans under Titus in 70 AD.
When will the end of times come?
There have been numerous points in history with “prophets” and self-appointed dooms sayers claiming to know the exact time and date.
So, why has no one guessed right yet and never will?
Simply put, Jesus will return when God gives the word, not before. No amount of prediction or guessing will change this.
Our role in this picture is to live the best we can as Christians. Our job is to share His love and message to as many people as possible.
Should We Be Afraid?
Only if we are not ready. The verse above from Matthew 25:13 says to be alert.
But, the scary verses precede it:
“ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.
Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’
But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’” ~ Matthew 25:10-12
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
This is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible for me…
““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” ~ John 14:1 NKJV
Yes, we are to be prepared if the end times come to pass in our lifetime. But, if it doesn’t, we are still saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Let us treat today and every day as if it is the last chance we have to please God.
It could be. Amen
Love in Christ
– Bob
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