See Also

Archive

About the Author

Well, the wait will be over soon! In a few days, we’ll begin to find out who was right and who was wrong about Y2K. My guess is that the results will be mixed, and that we will have to watch for several weeks to actually assess the real issues of the broken code that lies at the bottom of the Y2K concerns. After all, the millennium as we know it, is based on a rather arbitrary number and technically doesn’t really begin until January 1, 2001. It’s the broken code in so many computers and software that is the pesky problem when the date changes from 12/31/99 to 01/01/00. So let’s not get caught up in the hype, debate, or Y2whatever. Instead, let’s build an attitude for the days beyond the Y2K mess or non-mess. Let’s move from Y2K to X2K (Christ2K — the letter X, or chi in Greek, was used as a shorthand abbreviation for Christ from the first century on)!

    When I do wedding rehearsals, I try to use the K.I.S.S. principle — since we don’t allow the “stupid” word in our house, it stands for Keep It Short & Simple around our place. Instead of choreographing every move, I just tell folks to watch the Bride. Of course someone will wisecrack, “What do we do before she shows up?” “Simple,” I let him know, “watch where she is suppose to be next!”

    In uncertain times, full of both danger and promise, that’s what the Holy Spirit says in the book of Hebrews — except he wants us to watch for the groom and not the bride (Revelation 21; cf. 2 Cor. 11:2). In fact, it is so important that he emphasizes it at the beginning and at the end of the book. “Keep your eyes on Jesus!” (Hebrews 3:1; 12:2)

    Of course we shouldn’t be surprised at this. When Jesus began his ministry, John the Baptist pointed others to him by crying out, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29, 35-36) Jesus invited potential disciples to come get to know him with the words, “Come and see!” (John 1:39) You remember Peter was able to walk to Jesus on the water until he quit looking at the Lord and began to see the storm. (Matthew 14:28-32) Of course, there is also Thomas, who had to see before he could believe. (John 20:26-28) While we don’t see Jesus in the same way they did, we are blessed even more when we see him through the eyes of faith. (John 20:29; 1 Peter 1:8-9) In fact, we are promised that as we behold and reflect his glory, we are being transformed by the Holy Spirit to be like him a little more each day. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

“In times of uncertainty, focus your hearts on Jesus!

    Why share all this? Because the Holy Spirit’s call to the early Christians in the book of Hebrews is our call, too: “In times of uncertainty, in times of testing, in times of opportunity, focus your hearts on Jesus! Keep your eyes fixed on him! Watch for the Groom!” So no matter what Y2K ultimately means for our world, and for us personally, we need to look to Jesus so we can know how to faithfully negotiate whatever happens. We can trust that he will deliver us and empower us and transform us and bring us to victory. (Romans 8:28-39)

    The only real Y2K problem occurs if we let Y2K become more important to us than Christ2K. Let’s not let that happen! Let’s make double sure that as we enter into this time of great opportunity and danger that we do so looking to Jesus, living for his glory, and sharing his grace.

    This has made the rounds on the web and we can’t track down the original author, but we do believe it is worthy to add to our topic. Grace to all and a happy new millennium. May your influence on others for Jesus grow and bring them to know his saving grace!