The Day and Hour Unknown - Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 “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 night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matt. 24:36-44)
The Day and Hour Unknown - Mark 13:32-37
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’
- These are Jesus' words and it would be wise if you read these texts in their entire context. They would be grealty enriching to you. However, even though this radio pastor from California (i believe) was completely wrong and that was obvious that he would be, b/c no one knows except God the Father (reference the Scripture above), I was still amazed by how many people it impacted. There were many people coming to me asking me for my thoughts and I pointed them directly to the Scriptures. Yet it was amazing though just how many people were terrified about the Rapture or the end of the world. (For those of you who don't know what the Rapture is: it is a belief that all Christians will be "caught up" and be with God before the Tribulation (God's Judgment, spanning 7 years begins. There are however, 3 different views of this and are debatable. The idea of the Rapture is referenced from 1 Thessolonians 4:16-17).
- I thought it was interesting how some people are terrified when they hear the news that Jesus is coming back again. Time to be real folks; if you are not a Christian, I can see your point by getting a little nervous or a little uneasy. Maybe you freaked out a bit, totally understand. But if you are a Christian or claim that you are...why in the world are you afraid to be with Jesus? I'm not really trying to be sarcastic here, but to be with Christ is sort of the point to what we believe. I have trouble understanding how Christians are terrified for Jesus Christ to return. I think it is fair to say, that Christians who fear the return of Christ, are not really Dicsiples of Christ. Why? Because a desciple of Jesus Christ understands that we were created to dwell in presence and fellowship of Jesus Christ for all eternity. He is our King and our Lord. Listen I love this world and there are great things to enjoy about it, but when you know Jesus, let me tell you this world and all it's joys, none of it holds a candle to what the Lord has in store for us in heaven. Perhaps the question that needs to be asked is not so much "When is Christ returning?" but rather "Where am I at with God?" A Christian who is fearful for Christ's return, might want to check their status with God.
- So on the one hand, this brought about some good attention to an event, in which I wholeheartedly believe will take place, I just have no idea when. On the other hand it brings some bad rapport to Christianity...because this guy was wrong, the assumption becomes that any claim to Christ's Return and that event is wrong. Let me leave you with this, even though this guy was completely erroneus...Christ' return is imminent. It will happen, it's why Mark and Matthew both commented on the fact that even though Jesus said "no one knows when"...Jesus also said "Watch" and "Be ready" Don't be fooled, Christ will Come again...the time....well...I think the Scriptures pointed us to that conclusion.
- Since this has been on the minds of many for the past few weeks, I will be preaching on it this upcoming weekend @ FUMC in Huron. Hope to see you there.
Blessings, Pastor Derek
