I was a naïve 16-year-old in Philadelphia. Fels Planetarium advertised a star show on the end of the world. Since I was raised in a Christian home and learned about end times, I decided to attend.
The lecturer turned on the star projector. He showed how the earth is getting closer to the sun. Temperatures, he claimed, would escalate until human life would be incinerated. After the program I asked him, But what do you do with the Bible’s teaching on the future?
He put a hand on my shoulder in a fatherly fashion and said, Young man, the Bible is a collection of myths. Modern science has dismissed the Bible decades ago. But not to worry. The movement toward the sun is so gradual that it will not happen in your lifetime.
I tried to argue but he turned to talk to another questioner. I left the room wondering how I could counter such a theory. Since then I have been exposed to many theories about the end of the world. Some ideas came from theologians who graduated from the most prestigious seminaries in the world.
I have concluded that years of conjecturing will not fill the bellies of starving children. It will not reduce divorce statistics. Debating about end times will not answer the question from the ninety-year-old in a dingy nursing home – Can anyone teach me how to be happy? Will such verbal battles address the injustices in the world and even in the church?
Millions of dollars are spent on conferences to solve the controversy. Presses turn out books and periodicals that warn about dates for the end. TV preachers laugh all the way to the bank with proceeds from the sale of DVDs. They go to the bank in their private jets.
Getting to know the One who promised to come is probably a better use of time. I will come again and receive you unto myself. You can take Him at His word. You can trust His timing.