Apocalyse Ever?

The Infamous Mayan Calendar

So far, in 2012, Harold Camping and the Mayans have been wrong about the end of the world... but in light of that, let's not forget the words of 2 Peter 3:3-9.

"Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

I could go into specifics about other reasons why I think the 'end of the world' is not going to happen just yet, but that would probably just start an obnoxious debate between fellow believers. The main reason is found here in verse 9: God is patient and merciful and wants everyone to come to repentance (turn from their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ). The fact that you and I 'live and move and have our being' on December 22, 2012 is thanks to the Mercy and the Grace of God. Let's not test His patience.

My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation!

Rembrandt, Simeon in the Temple - 1669

Luke 2:25-32

'Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you now dismiss your servant in peace. 

 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

    which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles
    and for glory to your people Israel.”'

When Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms, his life was complete! This is amazing. Remember, Jesus was at this point, helpless, not yet gracing the world with authoritative teaching, or miraculous healings. He had not accomplished the purpose for which He had come to the earth, the purpose for which His Father had sent Him. His tiny hands would one day toughen and callous from work and be nailed to the cross but at that moment, they were frail and helpless. And yet, Simeon’s eyes are opened. He calls the little child God’s Salvation, which is what the name Jesus means. Simeon was dazzled by the Light that still shines upon the Gentiles like you and I, bringing us to God. Simeon saw the promises of God to Israel fulfilled in Christ, who is the true Glory of Israel: the Promised Seed, the Righteous Branch. And all of this before He turned water into wine, before the Sermon on the Mount, before the Crucifixion and Resurrection!

Christ’s value is not tied up in what He has done, although it is important. Before He had done anything as a human, He was worthy of worship, for He Is Who He Is; He was worthy of thanks, for He Is With Us!

Sorry God, I Am Too ____!

William Blake, Zacharias and the Angel - c. 1799

An excerpt from a sermon I preached last year on Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25,52-66)

"God can use even the most unlikely people to accomplish his purposes and build his kingdom. God loves to use us against all odds, no matter what our weaknesses are, and no matter what the world may think of us. But sometimes, even when we have prayed to be used and prepared ourselves for service, we doubt God’s ability to use us. Don’t be that way.

Do you continue to trust him when you have to wait for an answer?
Are you truly prepared to be used by God?
Do you feel too weak, emotionally, spiritually, or physically to be used by God?
Do you feel too old to be used by God?
Too young?
Or maybe you feel like you have sinned far too much in the past to be used by Him in the future?
Do you feel like you are too disorganized for God to use you?

In the eyes of the world, we are way too weak and incapable to do anything to build a Kingdom, but remember,  this is God we are talking about. He can and will use each one of us, if we are willing. With or without our co-operation, His promises and purposes will be carried out, but he offers us all the chance to be part of it!"