The End of the World!

I have a confession to make. I know this will sound funny, but bear with me. Ok, are you ready?

Here's my confession- I'm a prophecy expert.

Yes, you heard me right. I'm an expert in bible prophecy!

I know EXACTLY what the prophecies mean.....

.....right after they happen!

I know, I know....you smile and tell me, "that's not an expert," but let me change your view of prophecy a little. Bible prophecy was not intended to tell us exactly when Christ would come back. Prophecy was given for two reasons-

1. To prove that God is God. He's the only God there is who can tell us what will happen before it does. In fact the Old Testament says that prophecy is one of the proofs that He is God...He tells us what is coming before it does. No other god can do that!

and, 2. To give us the signs we need to be ready. Take a moment and read the passage from Matthew below (notice the parts that are warning of what we are to do)-

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you.

Mat 24:6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

Mat 24:33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

Mat 24:42 "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

Mat 24:44 "For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
Mat 24:45 "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Mat 24:46 "Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
Mat 24:47 "Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

Be on the alert...He's right at the door...Be faithful. He says nothing about knowing the exact day, nothing about building timelines.

It's all about being faithful. It's all about being ready. It's all designed to give us the signs of his return so we will be ready, faithful, on the alert, at the door, doing the work, expecting him, awake, with our lights on.

And Jesus also describes these times as birth pangs for those who don't know Christ- so they can prepare. The fear that these times create is intended to draw the lost to Christ and challenge us to get ready.

So what are we to do? It's easy- be ready, be faithful, share your faith, love the lost, trust the Lord, and look up....the Lord is coming!