Today marks the 173th anniversary of the Great Disappointment of October 22nd, 1844. The LORD led William Miller to help spark a great revival in the U.S. that taught that The LORD Jesus would return sometime in 1843, and then in 1844 (to read our full article on Miller, go to our William Miller page). Many believers from different religious persuasions (Baptists, Christian Connection believers, Methodists, etc) united in this belief. Although Miller did not come up with the actual date (another evangelist did), when October 22nd was proclaimed as the day, Miller, along with thousands of believers accepted it as the date of their great hope.
But the opposite happened. This date became the day of their greatest and bitterest disappointment. When The LORD did not return on that day, many left the movement, but a few studied The Holy Scriptures, and hope revived once more. In a few years, the remnant adopted a new name and became the new movement: The Seventh-day Adventist church.
Have you ever thought which side you would be on if you lived in the 1800’s? Would you be one of those who jeered and laughed at the belief of the end of the world and the return of Jesus? Would you be fearful and dread the thoughts of The LORD returning? Would you be indifferent? Or would you have been one of those who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Maker and King? In many respects, we are in the same position. Although we do not have a date for The LORD’s return (nor will we), many individuals find themselves in these different groups and perhaps even more.
With over 170 years behind us, how are we exhibiting our belief in the Second Coming? Are we hopeful or fearful? Are we getting others ready? Do we spend more time in pleasure more than prophesying? The LORD has indeed blessed us with friends and family, spend time living what you believe and getting your families ready for our great hope.