May 21, 2011, The End of Time

Chances are, if you're reading this on May 21st, 2011 or later, the world has not ended (forgive the sarcasm). I am not sure why people spend time trying to know the date. A simple search through the Bible shows us how little we know about God's timing...

1 Thessalonians 5: 1 - 11
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Matthew 25:13
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Mark 13:32
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Matthew 24:42-44
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.

What puzzles me most about all the "end of time" predictions is the reasons behind them. The Bible spells out, very clearly, that we are to be ready for the last day. Regardless of when it comes. What reward is there in knowing the time? What purpose served?

While I cannot speak to Mr. Camping's motivations, these discussions do offer us an opportunity to reflect on what we believe about the end of time or the end of our life.

Don't know about you but I'm just not that concerned about the when. My concerns tend more to...have I lived in such a way that others have been drawn to Christ? Have I had a generous spirit? Have I shown that I trust Him in all ways? Do my friends and family know I love them? Have I truly lived? If answer to those questions is yes then it matters not the day or the hour for I will meet my Savior, Redeemer and Friend.