Okay. We've all heard predictions from many people over the years. 1988 was supposed to be it. Then, 1989. Y2K carried some buzz. Now, according to some, May 21, 2011 stands as the real deal end of the world this time. And in case we are waiting for a popular, glossy publication to confirm it, Time magazine picked up and published the latest predictions. As we all know, there is nothing new under the sun, plain and simple. These predictions like all of the date-specific pronouncements that have been made since our Lord's ascension into heaven are of a sad and foolish sort. Jesus was crystal clear about the date and time of his return:
But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32)
So in primary terms, we are not permitted to know. It is God's holy knowledge and His alone. For man to claim to crack some code and figure out what has been perfectly and permanently hidden by God is sheer madness. Who has known the mind of the Lord but the Lord himself (Rom. 11:34)? God has forbidden it.
Besides, in one sense, what does it matter that his return is on May 21? We are supposed to live as though his return is TODAY. The date of Jesus' return is not our concern, rather the desire for his return should be. Whether he returns next week, the end of next month, or in 40 years, no matter: the Christian heart must long for Jesus.
So, if someone asks me whether I think Jesus is returning soon, my answer is: "absolutely". If they ask whether it will be on May 21, I'd say: "maybe, but no more likely than on May 1, July 22, or in 2043. That date is none of my business, but the desire to see His glorious return is."
Even so, come Lord Jesus!
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