It was on a billboard. I do not know if it was a real billboard or a virtual billboard courtesy of Photoshop. It was said to be located near Greensboro, NC and it simply stated the following simple message

"That Was Awkward" in the top left corner and then boldly across the center "'No one knows the day or the hour...' Matthew 24:36".

Camping, who was "absolutely sure" that May 21, 2011 would mark the beginning of the end is now sure that the end will come on October 21, 2011. While certainly I doubt that Camping and I would agree on the nature of the kingdom, I would like to consider a few things Jesus said about it. When He was asked by the Pharisees about the kingdom, He replied as follows:

20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21).

When making points about His coming, false prophets and failed predictions, He said, 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. (Matthew 24:23-25)

And then, finally, Camping and other date-setters claim that Jesus has revealed the date of His coming for believers. His coming is only a surprise to the unbelievers. But that is not what Jesus said!

42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:42-44).

You see? Jesus encourages us to be ready because we do NOT know the time of His coming. We should just be in a state of readiness all the time. Being ready is not about knowing the time. It is about always being prepared.

 

 

By Jon W. Quinn
The Final Page
From Expository Files 18.6; June 2011