Fear and Hope

By Sunil T, Nepal

I could not sleep for the entire year when I was studying in Grade 10. I was gripped with fear as I was sitting for my School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations that year. It would be a test of my years of learning. I feared I would flunk the examinations as I had not been an attentive student. As a result, I had recurring nightmares about exams.

Similarly, fear about the end times had plagued the minds of many people. There have been speculations about the impending doom happening in 2012*. Due to the rumours concerning this dire catastrophe, some people have fallen victim to despair and are troubled about whether it would happen or not. This rumour has robbed the happiness of some people to an extent that they cannot sleep at night. Somebody even said that, “2012 is the prophesised year of end times” and the earth will be destroyed then. However, as Christian, we know that no man can specify the actual date. For Jesus said, “No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only Father” (Matthew 24:36).

While we may not know the exact date, our Lord Jesus has taught us what will take place during the end times (Matthew 24). Hence, we do not need to fret over any man-made predictions or imaginations because as Christian, we could rely on His revealed will (God’s Word) to discern reality.

We are told that in those days, there will be great tribulations. But, we need not fear for God has promised us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do no give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Meanwhile, as we wait for our Lord’s return, we must remain careful and alert, for He will come at a time when we least expect it (Luke 12:40).

Next:
1. How can you get ready for the Lord’s return?
2. Can you give answers to the questions that people ask about your hope and faith?(1 Peter 3:15)

* December 21 or December 23, 2012, is said to be the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mayan Long Count calendar. This view has been promulgated by History Channel which, beginning in 2006, aired “Decoding the Past: Mayan Doomsday Prophecy”, based loosely on John Major Jenkins’ theories but with a tone he characterized as “45 minutes of unabashed doomsday hype and the worst kind of inane sensationalism.” Discovery Channel also aired 2012 Apocalypse in 2009, suggesting that massive solar storms, flipping of the magnetic poles, earthquakes, super volcanoes, and more may occur in 2012. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_phenomenon)

Filed under Writing and tagged with Jesus' Second Coming, Sunil.