The Year 2020!
It seems like only yesterday that the Y2K bug, also known as the Y2K problem or Year 2000 Problem was ominously stalking humankind. It was believed at the turn of the millennium that computers would stop working on December 31, 1999 playing havoc on the world economy that would plunge society into chaos. That was now twenty years ago.
Some believe we ducked a bullet on the Y2K disaster, while others believe it was nothing but a big hoax. It may have been a hoax, or it could possibility be that the Lord was not yet ready for the world to go into a devastating destructive situation.
But here we are, only a few short hours and it will be 2020. A new year. A new time to make changes in our lives. Changes that will last for all eternity.
And for sure, the Lord Jesus Christ is in control. There are many who have fears of “climate change”, some who believe even the most drastic measures should be employed to save the planet. Even if it means destroying human lives. But who are we in comparison to this planet on which we live?
Do you have any idea how large the earth is? From pole-to-pole the earth is 24,860 miles (40,008 km) around while the radius of the Earth at the equator is 3,963 miles (6,378 kilometers) (From the center of the earth out. The earths weight is 5.972 sextillion (1,000 trillion) metric tons. It has been said that if this country does all that is suggested to save planet earth, that it would only make ½ to 1% change. That’s barely enough to measure.
We think too much of ourselves if we think we would be able to stop the destruction of this earth if it was necessary. We esteem ourselves too highly if we believe that. A 1,000 trillion metric ton planet traveling around the sun, we overthink ourselves.
The Bible tells us that one day the earth will be destroyed, and then made new again. But not by mankind but by the God of the universe. For we are told in Colossians 1:16-18;
16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” It is Christ that holds everything together, the universe, the earth, and us by the power of His word.
Christ has a predetermined plan for the ages. The earth cannot be destroyed until it is His predetermined time. We cannot thwart His plan and we need not worry about “the climate change doomsayers”. Yes, we should care for the planet, but not worship it as “Mother Earth”. The earth is a created planet, just as we are created human beings.
For “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; [before creation] all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3
“The teaching of the New Testament is that now, at this very moment, there is a Man in heaven appearing in the presence of God for us. He is as certainly a man as was Adam or Moses or Paul; he is a man glorified, but his glorification did not de-humanize him. Today he is a real man, of the race of mankind, bearing our lineaments and dimensions, a visible and audible man, whom any other man would recognize instantly as one of us. But more than this, he is the heir of all things, Lord of all lords, head of the church, firstborn of the new creation. He is the way to God, the life of the believer, the hope of Israel, and the high priest of every true worshiper. He holds the keys of death and hell, and stands as advocate and surety for everyone who believes on him in truth. Salvation comes not by accepting the finished work, or deciding for Christ; it comes by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the whole, living, victorious Lord who, as God and man, fought our fight and won it, accepted our debt as his own and paid it, took our sins and died under them, and rose again to set us free. This is the true Christ; nothing less will do. A. W. Tozer, Pastor at Moody Bible Church in Chicago some 50 years ago, once wrote of this as follows:
So here again is a new year. A year of decisions. A year of the problems of life. We need not worry about being destroyed by a disintegrating planet or planet which will destroy us. But instead we need to put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He “Holds all things together”. Including us and our lives. Spend time with Christ, read His word, pray, take time to get to know the true Creator and Sustainer of the universe and us.
Most importantly if you have never taken Christ as your Lord and Savior do so now. For we are not promised tomorrow. Our lives are never more than one heart-beat away from death. May this year bring you peace, joy, health happiness and a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.