The Year 2000, The Y2k Computer Crisis

 

In the book of Hebrews the writer tells us of a time that will come where everything that can be shaken will be shaken, and only what cannot be shaken will remain. Let us look at the scripture in Hebrews 12:26-29. "At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. The words (once more) indicate the removing of what can be shaken---that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken will remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, For God is a consuming fire."

Is the Y2K Crisis going to be a part of this great shakening of God at the end of the church age. Time will only tell, but as a word of wisdom, prepare for the worst but hope for the best. Is the truth about this Y2K computer problem being told? How serious will it be? How will it effect you? According to a report given in late July on the CBN network, publicly many are saying one thing while privately they are telling a different story. Some of you may have not read about this Y2K or Millennial Bug as it is sometimes called, and are wondering, What is all this fuss about? Here is the situation, computers that were manufactured before 1995, and the software they use were programmed to recognize years solely by their last two digits-98 instead of 1998 for example. The worry is that come the year 2000, computers will read "00" as 1900, producing costly errors or crashing altogether.

The race is on to fix this problem before the year 2000 and billions of dollars are being spent to achieve the solution to the problems. Should there be concern, yes; should people panic, no; but one should now begin to take measures to prepare for what could be a very shaky time. Read what some are saying about this coming crisis. In the June 8, 1998 issue of U.S. News and World Report, "No one knows for sure how much trouble will occur at the stroke of midnight, Dec.31, 1999, when computer clocks roll over everywhere. Some fear the worst. More than half of the technology executives polled recently by CIO magazine, for instance, say they will avoid flying commercially on Jan.1, 2000. Another survey found 38% of information technology industry professionals plan to pull money from banks and investments just before 2000".

Air Traffic Control Problem and Y2K--Union says new air traffic system unsafe, wants delay. Source New York (AP). Story from May 23, 1998. A technician’s union wants delay of the 1999 start-up of a $1 billion air traffic control system, saying it will jeopardize traveler safety. The union and the FAA also are not sure the system will function properly when the calendar rolls over in 2000, when computers may have a problem adjusting. "CIA Raises Specter of Treacherous Y2K Programmers". "Is there a national security or military relevance to this computer 2000 problem?" asked committee chairmen Fred Thompson. "Definitely," replied NSA's Minihan. "There's no question." What spooks the spooks is the possibility that malicious programmers-perhaps employed by a hostile nation-will promise to remove Y2K bugs but will quietly insert new ones. "What about nuclear weapons? Won't they be at risk," Thompson wondered, "if they are not repaired in time?" The CIA dodged the question. "We can talk about that in a classified session," Tent replied. Selected Comments on Y2K from Federal Reserve Chairmen Alen Greenspan--Feb.24 1998 Congressional Testimony. We do not know how rapidly we can solve the problem. I mean, for example, one of the things that we at the Federal Reserve are very acutely aware of is there is a two-pronged issue here. One, try to prevent the problem from happening. And two, what do you do when it happens? I mean, for example, we had a major bank in the city of New York a number of years ago, whose computer went out. And the New York Federal Reserve Bank had to lend them over $20 billion overnight. Now, if we weren't there, I can tell you that the system would have been in very serious difficulty. He goes on to say that in dealing with the issue of Y2K, it is difficult because there is such a huge element of uncertainty in the nature of the problem itself.

We are trying to come to grips with it the best we can. I have read almost a hundred articles on the coming Y2K crisis. I have read where some believe there will be catastrophic consequences, while others believe in temporary inconveniences. I believe we need to prepare ourselves. One theme that I read over and over is Shortages-Shortages-shortages; especially in perishable goods. There could be breakdowns in Power Companies, Communications, Transportation, and Financial Institutions. Please note! I believe it will be very important to keep good records, cancelled checks, and documentation.

It is time to pray and seek God's guidance in your life. Job say's these words, "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, You are my security. If I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, or if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high." Job 31:24-28. The only source of security in these days of Shaking is in God Himself. Psalm 91:2, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." As the scriptures promise, everything will be shaken that can be shaken, only that which can not be shaken will remain. What remains is God's Kingdom, Have you decided to follow Christ, and to enter into this unshakable Kingdom, you can right now. Ask God to forgive you of your sins, turn from your sins with His help and power and believe that Christ took all your sin on himself at the Cross, and that He is raised from the dead and can live within you right now. If you will do this and really mean it you can enter into this Unshakable Kingdom.