Deliberations 2016 (8): The Great Disappointment.

Pioneer advent preacher William Miller (1782-1849) was initially a deist—a believer that God made the world but then abandoned it to run according to certain natural laws.

However while serving as a soldier, he saw evidences that there is indeed a God, who intervenes in human affairs. Embarking on a systematic study of the Bible, he discovered the prophecies of Daniel, which seemed to foretell Christ’s soon return. Miller preached this advent message to an estimated following of 50,000-100,000 “Millerites”.

By applying the Bible principle of a day for a year in prophecy, Miller predicted that Jesus would return to earth in the spring of 1844. He eventually accepted the date of October 22, 1844—set by others—as the date of Christ’s return.

With great anticipation the Millerites waited. On the expected day they abandoned all work in the fields and in their homes - fixing their eyes skyward; searching for the first glimpse of Jesus…… But He did not come…… What a great disappointment.

Miller later wrote “I am not yet cast down or discouraged…I have fixed my mind on another time, and here I mean to stand until God gives me more light—and that is TODAY, and TODAY, until He comes, and I see Him for whom my soul yearns." What faith! Hear those words in this song by Reggie Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMpN64Ay7w4

Indeed, the exact time of Jesus’ return is unknown, but signs foretell that the event is imminent. What are we doing in anticipation? Or are we asleep and unaware? Can anything be worse than the great tragedy when Jesus returns but does not take us with Him because of our non-acceptance of Him?