Times like these call for discernment on our part. "Prophetic" predictions are wrong because they are based on a wrong presupposition. The so-called seers or prophets are ignorant of history (not to mention their ignorance of the Pauline revelation and that we are not in Israel's prophetic program). Although the year 2000 sounds conveniently ominous for them, the next millennium does not actually start until 2001.¹ In addition, they forget that the person who established our Julian calendar miscalculated by 3 years. This means that the 2000 year anniversary of Christ's birth occurred in 1997 (to the discredit of many prophetic preachers who say that the Lord is going to come back in 2000).

    At the risk of oversimplifying the issue, only computers that do calculations based on a date function will have significant problems with the year 2000. For example, here at the Berean Bible Society, my computer is used primarily for word processing and desktop publishing. There are no calculations involved. It would not affect my writing if my computer thought it were 1900.³ However, if I were running an accounting application where the date is used to calculate payments, interest, or other financial information it would make a big difference if the computer were not Y2K compliant.

    Much has been said about embedded chips. We are warned that everything from our microwave and VCR to our car and the elevator at the office will not work because of old embedded chips.

    But despite the hype, the truth is that very few, if any, household appliances and cars will fail because of embedded chips. If they do, we revert to the manual override (such as on a computer controlled thermostat in a home). But when it comes to embedded chips, you don't have to take my word for it. Edward Yourdon, one of the first to warn about Y2K problems had this to say:

    "If an embedded system does not provide a human operator, or end-user, with a means of setting `current year' information, or changing that information, then it's unlikely that the embedded system is aware of, or dependent on, the year."

    The problem with embedded chips will not be in your home or car but in industrial operations such as refineries, power plants, defense systems, and such. The embedded chips in these applications could indeed cause problems with far-reaching implications. The problem is that no can know for sure how severe or widespread these disruptions will be.

    It is probable that we will have some disruptions in the delivery of governmental and utility service because of Y2K related problems⁴. Most experts who have studied the issue agree on this point. But how widespread, how long, and how severe any problems, disruptions, or outages will be is hotly debated.

    Mark R. Hettler, author of A Biblical Perspective on the Y2K Computer Problem said:

    "Predictions as to the consequences of this failure to fully correct the problem vary widely. Some believe that the Y2K computer problem will result in the end of western civilization as we have known it, the end of a way of life comparable to the impact of the Amer-ican Civil War on the southern United States or the Nazi occupation on much of Europe. Others predict a disruption in services no greater than what might be brought about by a heavy snowfall, if even that...Although it is impossible at this time to predict the precise consequences of the Y2K computer problem, it is safe to say that there will be some sort of disruption to life as we know it."

    Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems in trying to assess the Y2K problem is discerning between the hype and the truth. Some companies, who could be drastically hurt by Y2K problems, do not admit to the extent of the problem. For example, if an investment firm knows of upcoming problems they may not admit it for fear of people withdrawing their money; the government may not admit to the extent of the problem for fear of starting a panic.

    Other companies and individuals stand to profit from the Y2K mania and do what they can to make the problem worse than perhaps it really is. We see religious leaders predicting the apocalypse and selling videos or books on how to prepare, or survivalists telling us that the entire system is going to collapse and conveniently offering to sell us freeze-dried food, gold, or ammunition.⁵

    While we are commanded not to worry (Phil. 4:6-7), this does not mean that we should not prepare for what we may reasonably expect to happen. Proverbs 22:3 tells us that a wise man foresees trouble and prepares for it, but a fool ignores the warning sign, goes his merry way, and suffers for it (see also Prov. 6:6-8).

    A biblical example of preparedness is Joseph. He was warned by God of an upcoming famine and he wisely used the intervening time period to lay aside provisions (Gen. 41:34-36,47-49). He did not sit back, do nothing, and expect God to miraculously provide, and neither should we. Preparation is not a lack of faith. The Apostle Paul says that if any will not provide
for the needs of his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (I Tim. 5:8).⁶

    As with most everything, there are two extremes—do nothing or do everything. We do not want to overreact and adopt a siege mentality, but neither do we want to do nothing and suffer for it.

    Some like to compare potential Y2K problems to that of an upcoming storm. If we are warned that a storm (blizzard, hurricane, tornado) is coming we make prudent preparations.

    It seems to be wise to prepare as you would for any other type of disruption. As a minimum, it is a good idea to have enough food, water, cash, and alternative method of heating and lighting on hand to last for 3-7 days in case of power outages or similar disruptions.⁷ The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross are making these same recommendations:

    "While surveys show most Americans do not expect their lives to be severely disrupted, a significant minority say they are planning big investments of time or money to protect themselves. And the American Red Cross advises the public, as a precaution, to have enough food and other staples on hand to endure disruptions of several days to a week." (Tues., Feb. 9, 1999, NY Times.)

    One of the major reasons that we feel distressed in crisis situations is that we are powerless to change the situation. This feeling of helplessness is the primary cause of our mental and emotional distress. We feel that the situation is out of our control.⁸

But as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must never forget that God is in control. Yes, even in the dispensation of Grace, God is still sovereign! We need to remind ourselves that nothing can happen unless He ordains it.⁹ In the book of Job (written before the Law—the oldest book in the Bible) we read that nothing can happen to us unless He allows it (Job 1:12, 2:6-7).

    Mark R. Hettler in his book A Biblical Perspective on the Y2K Computer Problem puts it well when he says:

    "Whatever impact the Y2K computer bug is to have on our society can only happen if and to the degree that God ordains. Neither pure chance, nor carelessness, nor organized conspiracy can have any result not in accord with what He intends for this period of time. If it is God's intention to bless and prosper America during the next few years, no computer glitch can
prevent that. And if it is God's purpose that America should go through a period of hardship and disruption, all the programmers in the world working around the clock for the next year cannot avert it. We cannot know, at least not with certainty, which is the case, but we can be absolutely certain that God will indeed have His way."

    Despite the number of "health and wealth" preachers who continue to proclaim an erroneous message for today, God has never promised that His own will not go through hardship. God has never promised to maintain us at the typically high American standard of living. Or do we somehow think that believers in other countries are somehow less spiritual or have less faith?

    Many of those who believe in the health and wealth gospel frequently go to Hebrews 11 to supposedly prove their point. However, they usually stop reading before they get to verse 36 where we read:

    "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise" (Heb. 11:36-39).

    What God has promised is to use trials to shape our character (Rom. 5:3-5), to never leave us without his love (Rom. 8:35-39), to not test us beyond our ability (I Cor. 10:13), and to be glorified in our weakness (II Cor. 1:9 & 12:10).

    Regardless of what happens in the coming months, if our focus is where it should be in the first place, none of these earthly events will seriously affect us where it really matters—our heart. Like Paul, we are to focus on the eternal, not the temporal things of this earth which are passing away (II Cor. 4:18). This is a transdis-pensational principle. Throughout the Scriptures, God has told His people to have their attention directed toward eternal spiritual values (Matt. 6:19-21; I Pet. 1:4; I John 2:15-17). The Apostle Paul echoes this admonition in Colossians 3:2 where we read: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

    Our focus should be on our spiritual realities and blessings in the heavenlies. Talk is cheap, however. Many of us say that this is where our focus is, but the events surrounding Y2K could give us a chance to prove our words.

    And what an opportunity for witnessing to the gospel of the grace of God all of this could be! If we can reflect the calmness of spirit and peace of God during turbulent times (whether economic or social), then we may have the opportunity to tell others the reason for the hope that is within us (I Pet. 3:15). However, if we are just as materialistic and earthly focused as the unsaved person, then practically speaking, we will be no better off than they.

    The Bible tells us that we are not supposed to worry—over anything—even Y2K (Phil. 4:6-8). Our hope, regardless of Y2K, should be in Christ and in Him alone! We have God's promises of His presence, love, and sovereign protection! Yet during this present evil age, we are told to provide for our own (I Tim. 5:8) and Scripture teaches the principle of wise preparation (Prov. 22:3).

    We could sum up by saying:

    BE AWARE

    BE PREPARED

    REDEEM THE TIME¹⁰

    The bottom line question becomes, "Where do you put your trust?" "Do you really believe that God is sovereign and that He is in control?"¹¹ If you trust God, if you believe that He is sovereign, if you are focused on heavenly things, then you have nothing to fear—regardless of what does or does not happen in the months and years ahead. As the old hymn says:

Endnotes

2. They have even made it into a somewhat pronounceable acronym—"teotwawki" (pronounced "tee-oh-tuh-wah-kee").

3. As best as we can tell, our computer software and hardware here at BBS are ready for the year 2000.

4. At this point, it appears that over 80% of the banking system will be compliant and more utility companies are saying that they will be ready.

5. For what it is worth, a recent survey conducted on the Internet asked people what they thought would be the outcome of Y2K problems. According to the survey, 5% said it will be a non-event, nothing will happen; 28% said it will result in some inconveniences; 39% believe it will cause severe disruptions; and 27% think it will cause complete chaos.

6. Other examples of preparation: The Israelites in the wilderness had to gather two days worth of manna before the Sabbath (Exod. 16:21-26); the virgins who prepared are called wise and those who did not are called foolish (Matt. 25:1-13).

7. Some are preparing for much longer (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year) but that is something that you will have to decide for yourself.

8. This is why preparing for potential problems is important. When we have taken action toward a situation we feel less helpless and controlled by the situation. If we do what we can and leave the result with the Lord we will be less worried and frustrated than someone who does nothing.

9. Even the crucifixion of Christ was ordained of God (Acts 4:28); the Jews and the Romans were not acting without God's consent.

10. Eph. 5:16—make the most of every opportunity for the gospel's sake.

11. Some verses to reflect upon: II Sam. 22:31; Psa. 11:1; 18:2,30; 20:7; 37:5; 46:1; 56:3-4; 62:8; 78:20; 118:8-9; 146:3; Prov. 3:5-6; 25:19; Jer. 17:7-8; Matt. 6:19-21; 10:28; Rom. 8:28; II Cor. 1:9; Phil. 4:6-7; I Tim. 6:17-19.