Reflections on "The Book of Eli," etc.

Why is the world, especially Christians, so fascinated with the Last Days? A case-in-point is the popularity of the movie, “The Book of Eli,” as well as other recent movies that cover some of the same territory – “2012,” “The Road,” “Legion”. Included in this discussion would have to be the extremely popular book series, “Left Behind.”

Added to the mix has to be the various sects and denominations which dedicate a large portion of their time and resources to the prophecies surrounding the Second Coming, the Apocalypse and the Messiah’s thousand-year reign. I find this interesting especially since scripture clearly states that only the Heavenly Father knows the date and time… but the fascination continues. Sadly these individuals are adding the earthquake in Haiti as just another proverbial finger pointing us ever closer to the conclusion of life as we know it.

Still further, is the “History” channel’s regular program delving into the writings and predictions of Nostradamus. A recent one titled, “The Lost Book of Nostradamus,” which was supposedly just discovered in the archives of the Vatican, concentrated on the horrific and catastrophic events in the last days of planet earth or at least the military/religious conflict that will bring the world to its knees. Since Nostradamus’ date was 2012 for all of this to happen simply adds some fascinating “fuel-to-the-fire” over the fact that the Mayan calendar ends also in 2012... And the fascination continues.

For many years there was a book sitting on my library shelf which debated the whole subject matter as to when the rapture was to occur and the Messiah returns for his 1,000 year reign – Pre-millennialism (before), A-millennialism (during) or Post-millennialism (after). The book was a gift and probably very fascinating, but I never got around to reading it.

This subject matter is interesting and captivating. It is truly fascinating as attempts are made to unravel and understand this mystery. Yet, maybe my biblical understanding is lacking, but what I do understand is that when that day finally arrives it is going to be horrific for all people - believers or non-believers – so why pray for it to come quickly?

The bottom-line for this old preacher could be summed up in my response to people who kept asking as to when I was going to preach a sermon series on the book of Revelation. That response was: “When everyone starts believing that he came the first time!” Like the angels said in Acts 1:11a, “Men of Galilee why do you stand here looking into the sky?” The work is here on Earth! Now that is fascinating!

None of us know when the great harvest will come, but why spend time trying to unravel a mystery that is known only to God. The need is great for workers in the field of life now! “The Book of Eli,” “2012,” “Left Behind” are all fascinating, but their issue just isn’t a Kingdom Issue!

Quote for today: “Grace woke you up this morning, grace started you on your way and grace enabled you to survive until this very moment.” Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.