Nowadays, there are many news and stories of the coming end of the world specifically on December 21, 2012 according to the Mayan Calendar. Then again, there is an article stating otherwise. So what should be the reaction of many people? I would suggest looking for the right answer in the Scriptures. It is there we would find clarity and re-assurance of future events. Even Jesus was asked by His disciples about it, “As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age? “And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:3-14).
I believe that no matter what kind of uncertainty would transpire in all aspects of our society in the days ahead, there should be an assurance for every individual to look ahead towards eternity i.e., to have a heavenly perspective. Let me share a story I come across about having such a perspective: “There is an old legend of a swan and a crane. A beautiful swan alighted by the banks of the water in which a crane was wading about seeking snails. For a few moments the crane viewed the swan in stupid wonder and then inquired: "Where do you come from?" "I come from heaven!" replied the swan. "And where is heaven?" asked the crane. "Heaven!" said the swan, "Heaven! Have you never heard of heaven?" And the beautiful bird went on to describe the grandeur of the Eternal City. She told of streets of gold, and the gates and walls made of precious stones; of the river of life, pure as crystal, upon whose banks is the tree whose leaves shall be for the healing of the nations. In eloquent terms the swan sought to describe the hosts who live in the other world, but without arousing the slightest interest on the part of the crane. Finally the crane asked: "Are there any snails there?" "Snails!" repeated the swan; "no! Of course there are not." "Then," said the crane, as it continued its search along the slimy banks of the pool, "you can have your heaven. I want snails!"
The question is this: Why do we hold on so tightly to what we are familiar with? When in fact the things of heaven are so much superior; but we would hate to give up our "snails." What we have on earth are all temporary and can never be brought with us when we die. Therefore, let us use whatever we have as a means to fulfill Gods plan and purpose in our life and not holding on them even towards the end. Remember that we were born with nothing and we will leave this world with nothing as well. It is a fact of life and a reality that we must accept whether we believe it or not. We do not have a vote or a say on the matters of life and death. They are always in God’s hands. As a result, let us place our hands in Him.
As we are provided with a fresh new day, I urge you to pray this prayer ever so intently each day of our life: “Lord, help us to desire the things of heaven and secure our lives in the hands of your Son, Jesus Christ until the end of the age.”
Let us talk again!
