Groundhogs & The Future

Why were so many people concerned about a groundhog last Saturday?

Oh, I know all about Groundhog Day. I even saw the movie. But why does it make the national news? Why does a whole town in Pennsylvania obsess over a groundhog’s shadow?

Can a large rodent-like creature actually make a dependable prediction about winter?

Americans are fascinated with the future (in this case, the weather for the next six weeks.) It’s still amazes me that with all our satellites, radar and ability to forecast weather, the groundhog tradition still hangs on.

Of course the media likes a good story. And the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has made a media-friendly circus out of the event. But back to the weather.

We’re not the only ones to be fascinated with weather prediction. Back in ancient times people wanted to forecast the weather also. But without our technology, they had to rely on observations about nature.

We still quote the ancient proverb today when we say, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” Jesus even referred to this common observation!

Then he said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Jesus noted that by observing “signs of the times,” we should know when his return is near.

Have you been paying attention? Events in the Middle East and around the world seem to indicate that we may be living in the last generation before Christ’s return.

A recent survey revealed that 42% of Americans believe we are living in the “Last Days.”

Hold it right there for just a minute! Is that even a possibility?

Non-Christians tend to view talk of Jesus’ return as religious hype. But modern Evangelical Christians are not the only ones to talk about Jesus’ return and the end of time.

Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, found the Old Testament book of Daniel’s view of the future intriguing. After a thorough study, he predicted the world’s end would come 1,260 years after the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. The Empire began December 25, 800 A.D.

For those committed to human reason, that’s a tad unnerving. This was not the raving of some wild-eyed apocalyptic preacher. Newton was the father of modern science. His predictions about the laws of gravity and the motion of the planets eventually proved correct.

Consider this: at least 80 specific Bible prophecies were fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming. And their accuracy was amazing. But, even with all that, his arrival still caught most by surprise.

Many will be surprised when Jesus returns. Christians, however, should not be. The Bible says, “But you brothers are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief.”

Since Christ’s return is near, the Apostle Peter asks, “What kind of people ought you to be?” His answer is “You ought to live holy and godly lives.” But how do you do that?

First you need to have faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” That means to believe that Jesus died for your sin, was buried and rose to give you a new life. Next you must personally trust in Christ as your Lord and Savior. Finally, the Bible says that we must be “alert and self-controlled…putting on faith and love.”

Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” I hope he finds it in your heart and sees it in your life!

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!