The end of the world in 2012

Will the world end on December 21st, 2012? I’m afraid that the seeds have been planted for this idea and until then the notion will grow into a mania.

Various reasons exist for this idea. A movie by the name of 2012 has been released and has the end of the world as it’s subject matter. The Mayan calendar ends in that year and people believe that it signifies the end of the world. Supposedly Nostradamus made a prediction of this sort for the year 2012 though some interpret his words as the beginning of a new age. Lastly there are doomsday forecasts based on cosmic events such as planetary alignment and a collision with a meteor.

Friends, what does the Bible, God’s word have to say about the end of the world? In Matthew 24 the disciples asked Jesus, what shall be the sign of His return and the end of the world. They knew that when Jesus returned to this earth, He would establish His kingdom and the world as we know it today would end.

So what did Jesus say about His return on December 21st, 2012. In Matthew 24, verse 36 he says;

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son but only the Father.

If anyone tells you that they know when Jesus will return and when the earth will come to an end, don’t believe them. I’m going to repeat myself because it’s very important to understand this. No one knows when Jesus will return except God the Father and don’t believe anyone that says otherwise. A third time for emphasis, no one knows when this world will end, not even Jesus.

That’s it, but if you have the patience and wish to learn more then continue to read. For many people the end of the world will be today. I say this because unfortunately many people will die today for various reasons. I urge you to turn your life over to Jesus today not out of fear that the world is coming to an end but out of love for Him and a love for all the things that He has done for you.

How can you love someone that you don’t know? You can’t which is why you need to get to know Him. Start today by reading about Him in the Bible. The book of Matthew is a good place to start. Spend time with Him and communicate with Him through prayer. Find support from fellow Christians in your local church and share the good news about Jesus with anyone willing to listen.

Another reason to be ready today for Jesus’ return is because His return will be unexpected according to Matthew 24: 44. Jesus says;

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

The Son of Man is simply another term for Jesus and is a term that He used for himself at times.

I encourage you to read all of Matthew 24 but I would like to draw your attention to verses 6 through 8. They read;

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Jesus is saying that we shouldn’t worry about the terrible things that will happen in the future but rather put your trust in the One that determines the future. That is Jesus Himself.

Friends, we have a lot of work to do before Jesus returns. He says in verse 14 of Matthew 24;

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Jesus is patient though just. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants to give everyone a chance to decide for themselves who they will follow. Will you follow Jesus or will you follow someone or something else? Will you be a faithful and wise servant to Jesus or will you be a wicked servant who follows the other side and their agents? Those that are predicting the end of the world in 2012.

I hope that in this study of Matthew 24 you’ve learned that no one can predict when the world will end and to be ready for Jesus’ return today. As well I hope that you’ve learned not to worry about the misfortunes and calamities that will occur in the future but rely on God who controls the future. Join me and share the good news of Jesus’ soon return.

praise our Lord,

Dennis