From the moment I picked up my 11-year-old son from school, I knew something was up. “I’ve got to find my 3-DS,” he panted. “They’re doing a special internet update at 6 o’clock!” After a frenzied search of his room, and a little help from the dog (“find it girl!”), the game system was located. The appointed time came and went as my son frantically tried to get the update to work. Every few minutes he would try again. By dinnertime, we limited him to every ten minutes. By bedtime, he was distraught. Obviously his information was incorrect, or Nintendo was having technical difficulties. Long after he’d gone to bed, I kept trying. Why? Who knows–because I’m the Mom, I guess.
I remember another day he from school with big news. He informed me that another kid told him that the world was ending in May. His little sister’s eyes grew as big as saucers. I reminded them that the Bible says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).
“I know, I know,” he said. “But, Mom, wouldn’t it be cool?”
That reply surprised me, though I suppose it shouldn’t have. He’s always had a pretty good understanding about these things.
As we all know, that day in May came and went–just like most of us suspected that it would. When Jesus comes back, it’s going to take the world by surprise. There will be no billboard announcements, no world-wide hype. Matthew 24 goes on to say that He will arrive like a thief in the night–if you knew He was coming you’d be prepared.
My son thought the game update was coming at 6 pm sharp. He was prepared and then surprised when it didn’t happen.
Some people thought the rapture was coming on May 21st and they were prepared…and surprised.
When is it really going to happen? Only the Father knows. But let’s be prepared. And you know what’s going to be awesome? I think we’re going to be surprised.