2012….The End?

As we inch further into the year 2012 we hear more rumblings of looming disaster that awaits. Many fear an apocalyptic scenario on or before December 21, 2012 because the ancient Mayan calendar ends on that day. There have been countless documentaries and interviews with those who truly believe the end of the world is at hand. The ancient Mayans were well advanced in astrology and science long before other civilizations, however I can assure anyone reading this that the world will never end! What’s my source of information? The Bible!

Ecclesiastes 1:4
⁴ Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever

Psalm 104: 5
He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

Although this world will never be destroyed, it will indeed undergo massive renovations by Almighty God (Revelation 20:1). Translated properly, when we read phrases like “end of days” or “end of the world”, it means “end of the age.” The church age will one day end, and King Jesus will descend from Heaven at the end of the Tribulation hour and will literally reign upon this earth for 1000 years. This will begin the age of perfect peace in the Millennium. So yes, the world will cease to exist as we know it, but it will never cease to exist.

Many so-called experts have come up with many scenarios that may happen, or could happen in the near future. Asteroids could hit the earth virtually wiping us out completely. Another planet could collide with earth. Solar storms may disrupt the entire earth. Nuclear war. The list goes on and on. Although many of these things can and one day will happen to a certain degree, those who believe and are eagerly looking for the appearing of Christ will not be here to witness the worst of it. Although we’ll see these things begin to happen (Luke 21:28, Luke 21:36), He will rescue those who are looking for His return from these frightening scenarios (Rev 3:10, Rev 4:1, I Thess. 4:15-17, I Thess. 1:10).

Jesus likened the last days to a thief robbing a homeowner. Jesus commands us to continually watch so we’re not walking blind during these days we now live.

Matthew 24: 42-43
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.”

What is Jesus saying? He’s saying to keep watch, be ready, and NOT to be taken by surprise. He’s telling us to read and understand scripture and how it relates to our culture today so that we walk in confidence, not fear. The Apostle Paul echoed the teaching of Jesus in his letter to new Believers in Thessalonica.

I Thessalonians 5:4
“But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”

So, were the Mayans right? Well we know that no man knows the day or hour, not even Jesus (Matthew 24:36). However, we also know for sure that we’ll know when His return is “right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). I do believe scripture has pointed us to the season we’re in. Based upon scripture we can know for certain that it’s NOT December 21, 2012. However, “right at the door” could be next month or next year. What if it’s today? Are you ready?

Journey On,

Shane Bowers