Will this be my last post ever? It will be according to a recent prediction. It’s been the buzz all week, so perhaps you heard it.
Christian radio host Harold Camping states that the Rapture (the taking up into heaven of God’s elect people) will take place on May 21, 2011 at 6 p.m. local time. The rapture will sweep the globe time zone by time zone) and that the end of the world as we know it will take place five months later on October 21, 2011. (This according to a Wikipedia article.)
It’s been the subject of jokes, and teasing, and possibly some concern. What if it were the end?
I’m not jumping on a bandwagon of people making fun of Camping, nor am I going to assume no one is impacted by Camping’s prediction. The issue of End Times is serious business. It’s a sobering subject for some, as the subject should be.
I’m reminded of the concern of Jesus’ disciples following the resurrection. Consider Jesus’ answer in this passage from Acts 1:6-8:
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
For the believer, this should never be a time of stress. I’m leery of anyone claiming to know a date, but Jesus said it would be soon and we would know the signs. He also reminded us, however, that we should not be afraid, that we could cast all our burdens on Him, and that He was with us to the ends of the earth. I’m not stressed today, not because I don’t believe Camping, even though I don’t, but because I have a faith in the person of Jesus Christ, who raised from the dead!
If you are not a believer; a follower of Christ, let this moment soon to pass cause you to question where you stand with your Creator. Eternity is not a laughing matter. Call on God now and ask Him to save you. Place your faith in the risen Christ! I would refer you to another verse in Acts 2:21: “But everyone who calls on the name of the Lordwill be saved.”
If you serve a risen Savior, let me hear a hearty AMEN!
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Excellent post Ron! My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness! That is the song in my heart today! Only the Lord knows the hour and the time for His return. Our job is to be ready in season and out. Blessings brother!
Amen!
AMEN Pastor Ron!
At first I was embarrassed for the Church with all this stuff, but honestly there are a lot of people talking about the rapture that wouldn't be otherwise. Even though they are poking fun at the prophecy, I believe the Lord will use it to prick people's hearts.
That's true. Good point
Twitter: tijuanabecky
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Amen Ron!
Thanks Jeff. I wonder that too. I suspect, however, that there is already a planned response. We'll see.
Great post! – I am praying for Mr. Campings followers. I pray that they find peace, even though I would imagine they have a great deal of disappointment.
Thank you. I agree…there will be much confusion.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Thanks!
I'm thinking the concept of the Rapture may well be a ploy of the kingdom of evil to attack/destroy the faith of believers. Let me ask you a question (with an introductory statement): If our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers, then our warfare takes place in our prayer closets and that is where we are fighting the battles. Why would God, as the Commander-in-Chief, remove His troops from the battlefied before the victory is fully manifested? I'm thinking that wisdom is for us to quit looking for an escape hatch, for us to take our places as sons of God, for us to win the war and to take back God's creation from the kingdom of evil, and for us to defeat the last enemy (death) as Christ returns because his enemies (and ours) are under his feet. Then, Romans 8:19 and Isaiah 25:6-8 will be manifested and great joy will resound throughout our world!
Good thoughts Patricia. Good question. I do think God has positioned us to be the spokespeople for a time when things will change. There will be a judgement day some day!
Yes, and God's judgements are truth. Christ said we would know the truth and the truth will set us free. So, that judgement day will be the Day of Freedom for God's Creation! Deception will be replaced with truth, darkness with light, hate with love, slavery with freedom, and death with life! Great joy will fill our world!
Thanks Patricia!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Ron. I had this same thought. I'm also wondering what those made those predictions are going to do tomorrow, if they are wrong. It's dangerous territory to know with certainty such things.