Don’t Miss It!

Every year as October rolls around, I think it would be fun to go to an Oktoberfest festival. Oktoberfest is a German tradition known around the world for its beer, delicious food, and celebration of German culture. I went on the internet to find a local event, only to remember again, as I do every year, that most Oktoberfest events happen in September! I missed it again! Why name it “Oktoberfest” if it’s in September? Shouldn’t they call it Septemberfest? I asked ChatGPT for an answer to the question.

Here's the answer: “This tradition dates back to the first Oktoberfest celebration, which occurred in 1810. The festival was held to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festivities included horse races, parades, and various forms of entertainment.

However, the weather in Bavaria, Germany, can be quite unpredictable in October, with cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain. To ensure better weather conditions for outdoor events and activities, it was decided to move the Oktoberfest celebrations to late September. Over time, this early start to the festival became a tradition, and it continues to this day.” Ugh! I have to remember that next year.

Paul wrote two letters to the church in a town called Thessalonica. The people there were called the Thessalonians. In his second letter to them, he responded to their fears that they had missed Jesus’ second coming. Paul assured them that they had not missed it. He wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2: Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.

Paul reminded them that he had taught them about the second coming when Paul had been with them. He told them they hadn’t missed it and that it had not happened yet. In the meantime, they should persevere in the faith, watch out for false teachers, and stay busy doing the Lord’s work.

The apostle John wrote in Revelation 1:7 that when He comes again, every eye will see Him: “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. This confirmed Daniel’s prophecy about Jesus’ second coming in Daniel 7:13-14: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

When Jesus comes again, you won’t miss it like I seem to miss Oktoberfest every year. The only question will be whether you have believed in Him. Jesus will know. Jesus promises eternal life with Him to believers and eternal punishment in hell to unbelievers. You won’t miss Jesus’ second coming, but are you prepared for it?