Setting a fixed date for the return of Jesus has afflicted the world for nearly two thousand years.

• In 156 AD a group called the “Montanists” claimed to have had visions from God telling them the kingdom of God was coming soon and that the New Jerusalem would descend into central Turkey from heaven.

New Jerusalem failed to descend.

• In 900AD a council of the church of the time predicted that the last century of the world had commenced, and Jesus would return in 1000AD. Believers sold their homes, neglected businesses and farms and “for some years the wildest confusion and terror reigned.”

 Jesus did not return in 1000AD.

• In 1420 a group of priests near the city of Prague warned people to hide in the mountains between 1– 14 February of that year as God was going to destroy the wicked by reigning fire down from heaven and then bring in the Millennium.

The fire never fell.

• In August 1844 a leader in the “Millerite” movement predicted that Jesus would return on October 22 of that year. People sold their properties, dressed in white robes, and ascended a hill to be closer to Jesus when He returned.

Jesus did not descend to earth and October 22, 1844, became known as “The Great Disappointment.”

• In 1988, Edgar Whisenant wrote a book he titled “88 reasons why the Rapture will be in 1988.”

The rapture did not take place, Jesus did not return, and Whisenant followed up with a book claiming it would take place in 1989. (Presumably because it didn’t happen in 1988!)

The saddest part of all you have just read is the damage that’s done to the Name of Jesus and the Gospel. Unfulfilled predictions that clearly contradict the Bible and the words of Jesus Himself cause many to become cynical about God, His truth, and their need of a Saviour.

The timing of Jesus’ return is in His hands.

Until that time, let’s live holy lives, serve Him faithfully, and share the Good News of salvation with others.

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 13:24-37