False predictions

Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? —  Matthew 24:3

News that a solar eclipse would take place on July 22, 2009, brought an alarming prediction. It was predicted that the eclipse would sufficiently affect gravitational pull, causing tectonic plates to “pop a seam,” resulting in a sizable earthquake and a subsequent devastating tsunami in Japan. The US Geological Survey responded that no scientists “have ever predicted a major earthquake. They do not know how, and they do not expect to know how, anytime in the foreseeable future.”

There have also been many false predictions about the date of Christ’s second coming — despite our Lord’s emphatic words: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matt. 24:36). Christ told His followers that instead of trying to predict the date of His return, they should “watch” (v. 42) and “be ready” (v. 44).

Peter warned, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” Then he added: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10-11 NIV).

Striving to live for God — that’s what Jesus wants us to focus our energy on while we wait for that “blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Time 2:13).  — C. P. Hia

When someone says, “I can discern

Exactly when Christ will return,”

Don’t be deceived or led astray —

The Lord said we can’t know the day. — Sper

READ: Matthew 24:36-44

Look for Christ’s return, and you’ll live for Christ’s glory.

The Bible in one year:

• Job 36-37

• Acts 15:22-41