Passage: 1 Peter 4:7 (KJV)
"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."
Y2K...
Isn't it amazing how 2 letters and a number have found their way into the common language of virtually every person on the planet? Just a few years ago, the acronym, "Y2K" would have absolutely no significance to anyone. Today - it is likened with impending disaster, and some people would even have us believe that it is the actual date for the return of Christ.
Both the secular and Christian worlds are rushing to make sure that all things are in a state of preparedness before our calendars make that mellenial turn from 1999, to the year, 2,000. I have seen some Christians storing up non-perishible food, and others going so far as to make sure they have plenty of guns and ammunition with which they intend to protect their food and water supplies. I've seen some people withdraw all of their money, and bury it - just in case the banks don't make the transition to 2,000 smoothly, and they forget who's got what in the accounts.
Friends, believe it or not - this is not a devotional about Y2K. I will not be making or breaking a case for how you should prepare, or if you shouldn't. I'll leave all that stuff for people who have far more time on their hands than I do, and who are far more educated than I in the matters that are in question. This is, however... a devotional about behavior.
The Word of God tells us that the "end of all things is at hand". These words, however, were written - arguably - some 1,940 to 1,955 years ago! Certainly a LOT of water has passed under the bridge since the author wrote 1 Peter. But we acknowledge that the Word of God is the absolute, infallible Word of God, Himself... and so we must accept the fact that the statement, "the end of all things is at hand", is equally true today, as it was almost 2,000 years ago.
If that is the case, then perhaps... no... CERTAINLY, the advice of these God-inspired words is equally valid. That advice is: "be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." The New International Version of the Bible says it this way: "...therefore be clear minded, and self-controlled so that you can pray."
My friends, I am the last person to question the need for preparedness. The overriding theme of the Gospel is, "the Kingdom of God is at hand... prepare!" It is the very nature of God to embrace an element of order, and I do not believe that God would be displeased with His people in a state of preparedness. Panic, however... is another issue all together!
When the Word tell us to be "sober", or, "clear minded"... I think we should do exactly what it says. Part of being "sober" is to remember that the ENTIRE Word of God is still applicable to our daily lives, and Jesus Christ continues to be the same, yesterday, today, and forever. God STILL provides for our every need, and all things STILL work together for good, for those who love God, and how are called according to His purposes.
Sure - the millenium is upon us. And, Lord willing... we'll see the calendar change from 1999, to 2000. But let us remember, that God is still soveriegn, and the He is still on the throne! It would be wise for us to embrace all of the Word, (including the part where it says no man can know the day or the hour), and prepare with those truths in mind!
Let's make an extra effort, in the days to come, to be sober... clear minded... and to maintain self-control so that we can pray. Let's commit to constant communication with our Lord, and as we develop that relationship, the fear that drives many will be far from us. Rather, we will have the peace that passes all understanding as our banner!
The end is near. Not because Eric Reamer says it... but because God says it. How near? I have no idea. It isn't for me to know, and frankly, I don't much care. My concern lies within whether I have lived my life - today - in a manner that will draw men to my Lord, and that will bring glory to Him. If the end was today, I am at peace with my spirit, and I have the confident assurance that I will spend eternity in the presence of Jesus, the Christ.
The world is watching the Body of Christ. They are watching the Christians, and believe it or not - they are looking to us for answers in this time of uncertainty. How are YOU behaving? Are you exercising "sobriety"? Or are you behaving in a manner that indicates a lack of faith and understanding of the Word, and the inheritance that is yours as a child of the King? Food for thought as we race toward the time that has been duly dubbed: Y2K.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word of God. Thank You for the peace that passes all understanding. Please help each and every one of us to be sober, and watch unto prayer. We wish to let our lights so shine before men, that they will see our good deeds, and give glory to You, our Father, which is in heaven. Please help us to be a positive witness to the world, and use us to draw others to Your love! This we pray in Jesus' name, Amen!
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Eric Reamer is an evangelist, and full time Christian
Illusionist. If you enjoy this devotional, please e-mail Eric at: Eric@IllustratedIllusions.com.
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