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The
world sits in anticipation as the year 1999 melts down to the inevitable,
the havoc of an Old Testament-style catastrophe on January 1, 2000--Y2K.
Many flock to Jerusalem. The number of visitors to Israel are skyrocketing
as they ask, "Will Jesus come this year?"
Some seek
solace in millennium fever, doomsday visions, apocalyptic disaster or worse,
complacency. Others impersonate Biblical characters as they visit the Holy
Land emerging as holy people, wrapped in hotel bed sheets. John the Baptist
is a favorite choice by far.
Security in Jerusalem is being stepped up in anticipation
of the year 2000. Extremist Christians may try to commit mass suicide or
wreck the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. Other believers
wish to rebuild the ancient Jewish Temple to hurry Christ's return. Airlines
report many one-way ticket sales to Israel. Land near the Mount of Olives
is selling at very high prices; it appears that pilgrims desire front row
seats when Jesus returns.
Ironically,
one hotel run by prescient Palestinian Muslims sent flyers to 2,000 Christian
congregations in the United states asking, "How would you like to be staying
at the Mount of Olives Hotel the day Jesus returns?"
In early January, 12 missing members of a Denver-based
doomsday cult were arrested in Jerusalem; they threatened to kill themselves
to hasten the second Coming. Was this just the tip of the iceberg? Psychiatrists
in Israel are in dread. |
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Unfortunately,
the media, fanatic extremists and others give a distorted view on the
coming of Jesus syndrome. We do not know the time or the hour Jesus will
return but in I Thessalonians 5:2, it says that the day of the Lord will
come like a thief in the night; He will come suddenly. Matthew 24 gives
us ample warnings about what to look for just before Jesus does return,
but also warns us to be ready. Though millions of dollars are spent trying
to pinpoint Jesus' return, the Bible states that we should be in continued
service, faithful in using the talents we have been given. Are
you ready for His return?
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