“I’m still here. . . ‘anchored in hope.’ “

According to radio minister Harold Camping, Christ was to return on May 21, 2011. Guess what? He didn't but be assured that "He shall return."

The pronouncement of radio minister Harold Camping that Jesus Christ would return precisely at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2011 drew unprecedented media attention across the globe.  Camping of Family Radio and his followers placed about 1,000 billboards across the country at an undisclosed cost, advertising “the end of the world.” In response to Camping’s predictions, most Christians referred to the words of Jesus Christ in answer to questions regarding the end times, so clearly stated in Matthew 13:32:

But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Without question Camping and his followers experienced great disappointment when May 21 came and May 22 came to pass. Some have characterized Camping’s failed apocalyptic prediction as “A Replay of the Great Disappointment,”  referring to a similar occurrence when William Miller and his followers also promoted teachings regarding Christ’s Second Coming or the Second Advent that was predicted to occur October 22, 1844. Followers of the Millerite movement used newspapers to promote their message, just as Camping and his followers used radio and other media to spread their “end-times” message.

In “Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe” you will find two blogs posted on the topic of disappointment, “a most destructive toxic emotion”:  “Facing and Overcoming Disappointment—Part I” and “Facing and Overcoming Disappointment—Part II.”

 Though many may have experienced “great disappointment” when Christ did not return on October 22, 1844 or on May 21, 2011, as predicted that he would, we are, nonetheless, assured that he shall return.  Just as we know that Jesus Christ was first born in the fullness of time, in God’s perfect timing,  even so, shall the Lord return to gather his own together. In reflecting upon recent events, I thought of this poem:

“If the Lord tarries. . .”

James 4:13-15

 

“If the Lord tarries” and “If the Lord will”:

May these phrases ever be my preface.

With each decision may I learn to be still                      

And never presume to know your desire.

Though I may read your Word and apply

It diligently to my heart to do

All you ask of me, some secrets are not

Mine to know. Once more you tell me to watch,

To prepare my heart and to look above.

Whether I understand or misconstrue,

I cannot deny I have tasted your love.

God is faithful and His word is true.

In my heart the hope continues to burn

As I yearn even more for Christ’s return.

 

No, I am not disappointed, for my soul remains anchored in hope, the essence of the message of the following poem:

 

Despite the turbulent times in which we live, Christ is the anchor of our souls, as we are achored in the hope of his return.

Anchored in Hope

[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor

of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot down under

whoever steps out upon it–a hope] that reaches farther

and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil,

Hebrews 6:19 [Amplified Bible]

 

With deepest gratitude for all that I have learned:

That God is so good, as far as I am concerned.

My heart remains fixed; I continue to seek your face,

Striving to please you, to be faithful to the end.

Despite life’s trials, I press on to reach this place:

No longer a bondslave but esteemed as a friend.

 In this time between Passover and Pentecost

  We look up, as the fullness of time shall reveal

  The King of Glory, before whom all souls shall kneel,

  The Kinsman Redeemer sent to redeem the lost.

  Watching, waiting, in my heart I have prepared room,

  Assured by the promise of the faithful bridegroom.

  Looking to see far beyond my limited scope,

  I am steadfast– my soul remains anchored in hope.

The verse from Hebrews 6 brings to mind the second verse  from “On Christ, the Solid Rock,” one of my all-time favorite hymns. I recall that as a youngster I narrated the words while the Junior Choir sang the song:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

The following recording taken from the album, “Together for the Gospel Live” from Sovereign Grace Music, provides comfort and assurance, as I rest in God’s unchanging grace. 

Tags: Harold Camping, Hebrews 6:19, Hope of Christ's Return, On Christ the Solid Rock, postaday2011, Return of Christ, the Rapture