Looking to 2010
Mark 11:1-11
Happy New Year! 2010, just writing the date reminds us of how quickly time is marching forward. We are into a new year and into a new decade of the new millennium. It is hard to believe that we are already this far into a new millennium. Looking back at 1999 there was such excitement and anxiety about what a new millennium would bring.
We had the Millennium Bug the Euro was established as a currency, Shakespeare in Love won at the Academy Awards, Dr. Jack Kevorkian was found guilty of assisted suicide, and Nunavut became Canadas newest territory. The Worlds population reached 6 billion in October of 1999, The Kosovo war ended and UN peacekeepers were deployed.
So much more has transpired since 1999 to bring us to our current date that time does not permit me to list all the events of interest. Maybe I have taken you too far back as we reflect on the past in order to give us a sense of our place in the present?
But looking back helps us to do just that. Looking back helps us to assess our place in the present. Sometimes looking back can cause grief and disappointment but it can also be cause for a sense of accomplishment and victory. We all learn important lessons by looking at the past.
When we apply the lens of the past to our individual lives we experience much of the same feelings and thoughts that the rest of the world shares. We share an apprehension about our future we share a concern for our collective well being and we share a curiosity about what will happen next.
I can tell you a few things about 2010 that will happen. I can tell you that on February 12 - 28 the Winter Olympics will take place in Vancouver B.C. That Easter will be celebrated on April 4th by both the Eastern and Western Churches. That on December 21, 2010 there will be a total Lunar Eclipse visible from North America. In 2010 Christmas will be celebrated on December the 25th. Some of you might say Pastor you cheated, you used a calendar. Just as I can foretell these events by using a calendar our bible can foretell of earthly events yet to occur. We call that prophecy.
Today we look at scripture passages that address the kind of apprehension and curiosity that pervaded the hearts and minds of people in Jesus day. The people of that time and place were anxious and curious about a coming Messiah that would lead them and free them. They were intently looking for signs that would lead them to realizing the prophecies of God.
Do we share that same perspective today? Is the Lord Jesus return one of the things you look forward to in 2010? Does the idea of Jesus return make you want to run into the street and lay down your clothes as a carpet for His arrival? Have you circled the biblical prophecies in your bible predicting the Lords return?
In the gospel of Mark at chapter 11 he relates how the Lord instructed two of the disciples to go to town to find a colt tied up. A colt that no one has every ridden. They were to take it and bring it to Jesus and they were told what to say if asked about taking it.
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zachariah wrote these inspired words some 500 plus years before Jesus birth. Yet the people of Jesus day remembered them as they reacted to what Jesus did with the colt.
Do we know the prophecies of Jesus second coming as well?
Our hearts should be glad to consider the possible return of Jesus in 2010 just as people were glad to recognize him as Messiah in 33A.D. Still I sense that some of us may not be as excited about the Lords return as we should be. For some of us that excitement and anticipation may have cooled.
2Peter 3:3-4
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.
Peter goes on to tell us.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Many people think we Christians are foolish to be so patient. Many Christians are having their patience tested. Jesus gave us numerous parables that reflected this truth about his second coming. We can look to The Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 or to The Wise and Faithful Servants in Luke 12 or to Mark 13 and the parable of the Keeper of the House.
Mark 13:32-37
32No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34Its like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!
In 2010 what should we watch for as a sign of Jesus coming? With all the predictions about what might happen in 2010 what might happen for us as Christians should be of first importance?
The bible tells us to watch and be ready. Mark 13:5-8
5Jesus said to them: Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, I am he, and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Many people have tried to string together the events that will lead to Jesus second coming in the hope of providing a road map for those who need to find their way through these end time events.
We do not need another book about end time prophecy or another opinion about when it will occur or what will occur. Our bibles and Gods Holy Spirit should be enough of a road map for us all.
What all of us may truly need is a heart that is anxious to see Gods Kingdom come. It may not occur in 2010 but let us not grow weary at His coming.
In 2010 let us hallow our Fathers name.
Let us recognize our Fathers Throne.
Let us eagerly await the coming of His Kingdom.
Let us seek His will in our life.
Let us be grateful for His provisions.
Let us seek forgiveness of our sins.
Let us forgive others.
Let us avoid temptation and rejoice in our deliverance from sin.
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are His forever and ever.
Friend does 2010 make you anxious? Would you like to have assurance that your life is right with God? Would you like to have peace of mind and know that all fear is gone?
If I have described your condition then know that Jesus can calm your anxious heart, that Jesus can wash away your anxiety and fear. Yes Jesus is coming again why not let Him come to your heart today and then you will be ready for His second coming whenever that occurs. Do not let sin separate you from an eternity of peace and love. No one knows the day or hour but you can know the one who is coming and be ready to greet him with Hosanna!
