Well, the world didn't end last Saturday as self professed Bible scholar Harold Camping predicted. In my lifetime, I have seen and heard preachers make bold predictions about the end times. Many think they have "broken the code" and can tell you the "secrets hidden in the Bible." Most of the time, there isn't much of a splash, but once in a while it catches the attention of the masses. 

Every generation since Jesus walked the earth has been convinced they are living in the end times. Even Jesus' followers immediately after the ascension where talking about His immanent return, and that was 2000 years ago!  And it's not just the "code breakers" who fuel the fire; Talk to anyone who has been watching the cable news channels or devouring New York Times lately and the conclusion is that with all the stuff happening around the world, and espcially in the middle east, this must be it. The retrun of Jesus can't be too far off, can it?

Truth is, God want's us to be thinking about the return of Jesus. There is a longing in the believers heart to meet Jesus face to face, and see the corruption and evil that is so prevailant in the world cease. A longing for heaven is healthy, but it shouldn't be based upon cooky predictions and taking current events out of context. Our desire to be with Jesus should come from an understanding that what we see now is not all there is, that there is something much, much greater that awaits us. And until that day comes, we will serve Him with all of our hearts and to the best of our abilities.

So, when it comes to predicting the end, put away your holy calculators. Stop trying to discepher Biblical prophecy based upon what you see on Fox News. Being prepared for the end is not so much about knowing the date as it is living for Jesus Christ in the present.