Throughout the history of mankind, certain individuals and groups have set about to predict the future. Dates have been set over and over again for the end of time. More than one prophet has seen their predicted date come and go, while they stood around with "egg on their face". On one of the popular social networking sites, someone has posted a quiz to help you know the exact date of your death.
First of all, why would anyone want to live the rest of their lives knowing that on Saturday, September 5, 2020 life would come to an end? The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, wrote "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." [1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 NIV] Still, it seems that even people of faith become obsessed with end times and doomsday prophecies.
Going to back to the random quiz which alleges to predict the date of one's death, will anyone believe that by asking someone seven random questions and providing multiple choice answers, such a dire prediction could be determined? As we draw closer to the year 2012, many people are fascinated by Mayan prophecy which supposedly points to the end of the world as we know it in little more than three years. I will admit that I am curious to see the movie because I am interested in ancient civilizations and history more than expectant of what truths will be told and what possible terror may be unleashed.
I am encouraged by the continuing letter of Paul to the Thessalonians. "But you, brothers [and sisters], are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." [1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 NIV]
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
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