Doomsday (in Detroit)

The city of Detroit, known for decades as a Mecca for its music and the automobile industry, has incurred many losses in its recent history. Currently resembling more of a ghost town with its dilapidated buildings and disappearing population, the city has endured the disgrace of their imprisoned mayor, the bankruptcy of the auto industry, and it presently boasts one of the highest homeless and unemployment rates in the nation.

But sports, in an uncanny fashion, has a way of offering a reprieve from reality—if but for a moment. Much like the New York Yankees MLB Championship following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Detroit’s professional sports teams provide a breath of fresh air for a city in the state of depression—none more poignant than the city’s NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have enjoyed much success throughout their history having won 11 Stanley Cup championships, and have affectionately re-dubbed the city of Detroit as “Hockey Town.” So it’s no wonder that—much like the Lakers, Cowboys, Red Sox, and Yankees in their respective cities—as the Red Wings go (win or lose) so goes the morale of the city. And when the Red Wings experienced an early playoff exit, at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, many fans felt that the world—or at least their world—had ended…

…And so I embark on an inevitable touchy topic: Doomsday, The Apocalypse, The Rapture, The End of the World. Most recently, a California pastor has garnered much media exposure and attention for his false prediction of the earth’s final day (May 21, 2011). Many of his parishioners quit their jobs and sold everything they owned in the process. The topic has been the sacrilegious source of late-night comedy, the inspiration of Twitter updates, and the fear of many Facebook accounts. Filled with confusion and curiosity, many have broached the taboo subject regarding The Apocalypse. And my only rebuttal is to say, don’t rely on any mortal man’s subjective words, interpretations or feelings; but rather see what the Holy Bible—the only source of truth—says:

1.  “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24:36, The Message)

2.  “…Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better…”(Matthew 24:23-25, TM)

3.  “The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah’s. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.” (Matthew 24:37-39, TM)

Given these truths, how then should you live? If you’re a Christian, you should live expectantly, knowing that God’s Word is true. He is faithful to fulfill all Scripture; therefore stand firm on God’s promises. With that expectancy, you should live daily with the end in mind—whether it be the End of the World or the end of your life. You should genuinely live each breath above reproach, seeking to make much of God so that whenever He returns or whenever you die—whether it be tomorrow or a hundred years from now—you’ll be found faithful. You should recognize that each day and each breath is a gift from God. May you enjoy it as such and spread the gospel accordingly. May you not be selfish with this life. You shouldn’t live life in fear, knowing that God’s good and perfect purposes ultimately prevail. And by no means should you stop living—you must keep moving. Whether you’re crawling, walking or running in the purposes God has ordained for you, by all means keep going!

Editorial