The Mayans were wrong. Today was not the end of the world. At least if it was, it has not yet arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee. History is full of speculations and predictions about “the apocalypse.” Again and again God’s Word has been proven true: “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32).
The end will come. We do not know when. God does.
It is a different event that I am anticipating. As a believer, I am not looking for the end. I am looking for a new beginning. I am not watching for the destruction of the world; I am watching for the coming of Christ.
And while we are waiting, we are to be working. The apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Thessalonica to tell them that Jesus was coming (1 Thess. 4:16-18). He had to write a second letter to inform them that Jesus had not come yet! (2 Thess. 2:1-7) Sincere people were led away with error, quitting their jobs and spending their time in empty talk (3:5-11). Sound familiar?
There will always be talkers. And people to listen to them. Wise people realize that if Jesus does come today the best thing He can find us doing is the work He left us here to accomplish.
Tradition has it that Martin Luther said, “If I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree and work in my garden.” Whether he actually said this or not is debated, but the truth is not. When Christ comes He should find us faithfully about our duty. Every day should be lived with urgency.
Today was not the end of the world, but any day could be the day Christ returns. Let’s make it count until He does.
