Have you ever heard about the Doomsday Clock? There actually is one, created in 1947 by the very same scientists that helped to create the atomic bomb. Ironic, isn’t it?
Of course, it is not a real chronological time-piece but a philosophical one. The hands are moved by a vote of the Board of Directors of a magazine called The Bulletin of Atomic Sciences. Their vote reflects a response to world events, moving closer to the “midnight stroke of doom” or—depending on their assessment — back—away from the catastrophic hour.
The last time the minute hand was moved was in 2007, and then it was pushed forward two minutes—from seven to five minutes before midnight.
So as the minute-hand movers of the scientific elite jockey into position for Thursday’s big moment (9:00 a. m. if you want to watch the live web feed at www.TurnBackThe Clock.org), the big question is, will it move back or will it move closer to the midnight hour?
All the signs indicate a forward move: the perils of 27,000 nuclear weapons, 2,000 of them ready to launch within minutes, and the destruction of human habitats from climate change (of course—got to get that one in).
I wouldn’t worry too much about it, however. In 1953, after both the Soviet Union and the United States tested thermonuclear devices, the clock was changed to two minutes after midnight. And yet here we are, 57 years later, talking about it.
All of this is not to say, that a clock’s not ticking. I definitely think it is, but it’s God’s timepiece not ours. All the signs are indeed pointing to a consummation of things, but for us who a hidden in Christ, it will not be a doomsday but a resurrection day. As Jesus said, “When you see these things, lift up your head, your redemption draweth nigh.” Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Your Shepherd,
Stan
Posted on
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
by Stan Cosby