2012
Here’s a question submitted by one of our blog subscribers:
There’s been a lot of talk about the world ending or some horrific events happening in the year 2012. Where is this date coming from? Should we pay attention to this? What can we do in light of all the commotion?
My understanding for all the recent 2012 commotion is the blockbuster movie that was recently released. But before that, the idea of the world ending in 2012 really originates from the Mayan long count calendar. Basically, the Mayans, an ancient civilization from Mesoamerica, developed a calendar that clocked the earth and all its events lasting 5,125 years and ending on December 21st or 23rd, 2012.
So, what do we do? Is there a horrific, transformative event waiting to happen in 2012?? I don’t know but here’s what I do know: I’ve been a Christian for a long time now. And we need to be aware of the fact that every now and again there’s someone saying, “This is the year. This is when it all ends.” A perfect example is from back in the 80s. I remember a pamphlet circulating that read, “88 Reasons God is Returning in October 1988”. Because of this I saw a lot of well-intentioned people in the church selling all their stuff and getting ready for the day. Obviously, nothing happened.
But the reality is this: something could happen in 2012, in 2011, in 2010 or something can happen today. So my hope for all of us is that we get in the Word and read Matthew 24. And as you read the whole chapter you’ll find Jesus tells us “no man knows the day or the hour” but to always be ready and always be prepared.
So, here’s a question for you: would you get ready if you knew He was coming back tomorrow? I ask because just a couple weeks ago we held a memorial service for a 12-year-old girl and a few days later I did a service for a 60-year-old man. He died of lung cancer and she died of leukemia but a year ago we didn’t think either one of those people was going to pass. They didn’t make it to see 2012.
Is it this year for you? What about next year? The hope that the Lord has in encouraging you to be ready at any time is that you would be ready. Just be ready at any time. Because if you put your stock and hope in December 2012 you might just do whatever you want and sin all through 2010 and 2011 and then start repenting and cleaning up your act when 2012 comes around. But in Matthew 24 you’ll find a parable about a man who didn’t think his master was coming back so he behaved very rudely. And, what do you know, his master came back when he least expected it. Don’t let that be you. Be prepared in season, out of season—any season whether it’s 2012, 2013 or 2015. That’s my hope for you.
Michael Lima
Thanks Pastor Bob,
I’ve got a lot of friends up here in college who think like this. I’ve been using the verse in Matthew about how no one knows that day or hour. This is a great resource to show them!
-Mike Lima
walter
Could have not said it better my brother, Thanks PB for the great counsel, wisdom and insight- your always on track and in the groove with The Holy Spirit.
Just Bless you!!
Bless you for educating us! Bless The Lord oh my soul!
Frank-Jan kamenz
Thanks Pastor Bob for the answer.
There is though one more “cause” for the hype (because that’s all it is). Nostradamus also said the world will end in 2012.
Of course “hollywood” picked up on the theme. But everybody forgets, that the Maya Calendar ended already about 150 times and nothing happened, so why should this time something happen.
And as you rightly stated, Jesus said he will come as a thief in the night. So we will not know.
For me 2012 is a very unlikely year for Jesus return.
Lisa Cyr
We are only on earth temporarily; do you have a spiritual green card?
Yes, we have to make it right with Our Maker of Heaven and Earth! We could leave this earth at any age; at any time of the day. Live to please Jesus and Glorify His name ~ until the whole world hears!
Thank you for your Grace, Jesus! I will do my best ~ in Jesus name!
Al
Well said Pastor Bob. We need to live for Christ daily.
michael hernan
You got it Pastor Bob.This focus on 2012 is irrelevant. The truth is we all have a date individualy we just dont know when.Only God knows both dates.When The End is, and when our End is.
Samuel Thomas Rothman
Our Lord said no man shall know the time of his return, but we are to know the season. The events surrounding us right now, including the secular Prophesies are pointing to 2012. This is part of this season. This does not mean that Dec 21, 2012 is the day of Christ, but it may be the reason that he is returning. The Mayans do not say that 2012 is the end of the world, only the end ot their calendar. We are called to hold on until the end, but we also have another duty. James 2:14-17 Rejoice
Christophe' Moore
You’re right PB! all your information is accurate. as a kid i was obsessed with history of many different cultures. Strange. And the aztec, Myans, and Incas were a few that i liked. But the movie doesn’t prove anything. Just another show. But we do have to be aware that our time can be…… now! So everyone who think the whole world is going to end. it’s not, unless God Himself says those great words: “It is Time!”
Thanks alot PB!
– Chris -
Neil
Great message – “Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34)
I am thankful for the daily podcast. If I rush to work I can make it in about 21 minutes and feel that way (rushed) all day long. If I listen to the podcast and slow down I make it to the parking lot in about 24 minutes, turn off the engine, listen to the last few minutes, take a deep breath — and have a much better day for it. Thanks for the Word – Pastor Bob. Happy Thanksgiving.
James Baldwin
Found a book in the Calvary Chapel bookstore that deals with this subject: 2012 The Bible and the End of the World by Mark Hitchcock. Pretty interesting stuff.
Don Harmon
Wonderful lesson, Pastor Bob! We cannot know when this world will end, and neither did the savage, pagan and primitive Mayans. And how many other false prophets have specified dates over the centuries? No one can know when the world ends, certainly not the Mayans. But I do know my personal world here will end, whatever happens to the greater one. So I prepare by embracing Jesus Christ, who will save me whenever and however my end comes, whether the world ends on that day or not.
nana
I have had a lot of personal loss, so this one affects me deeply
suddenly, in an instant, if I didnt have the Lord, I would be so scared of living for fear of what is going to happen next. One thing I know, I once was lost, so lost, now I am found.. so my tomorrow will be everlasting joy…I am ready, but so many around me are not, thank you for the reminder that the end is coming soon.. I want my loved ones with me, much more to do…
Sheila Powers
Thanks!