Signs and Times

            Since the time Jesus ascended into Heaven, people have been thinking His return and the end of time is imminent. Eschatology (the study of end time events) continues to be a hot topic today. It seems every few years or so, I hear various predictions for the end, even in a vague manner. For instance, here is one such article discussing the possibility of signs in the heavens and their meaning for us with the total solar eclipse coming up in August.
            It's certainly very interesting. And I certainly can't deny that it sure looks like a lot of signs of the end times prophecies are being fulfilled. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, people in past generations all the way to the days of the early church believed that the signs of the end times were being fulfilled and that Christ's return was imminent. I understand that we can look at the signs of things happening in the Heavens, but I have a big problem with anyone making predictions of specific dates. Matthew 24:36 states very clearly that no one but God The Father Himself knows the date of The Lord's return. The Bible tells us more than once that Jesus will come like a thief in the night- He will come suddenly at a time when people do not expect Him.
            I'm not denying that we very well may be seeing the fulfillment of some of The Bible's prophecies for the end. But ultimately, all I can say is I don't care to venture a guess because I don't know for sure. God is in control of everything- including the end times- and He will work all those details out in His time. If anything, I hope such speculation would emphasize the need to tell people about Jesus- that should definitely be what eschatology drives us to do more than anything. However, I don't think we need to share with people about these astronomical signs that may or may not be the fulfillment of prophecies. Rather, we need to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people and let the Holy Spirit work to bring them to salvation. While Jesus does tell us to "watch and pray" in Luke 21:25-36, He also said it is "not for us to know the times and dates The Father has set by His own authority." (see Acts 1:6-8) In that same passage, Jesus tells us what we should do instead. It's not for us to know the times and dates. Jesus then juxtaposes this with saying, "But you will receive power when The Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." There's our mission there- in fact, our Great Commission (as Matthew 28:18-20 issues.)
            Look also at what Titus 3:4-9 says. In verse 8, we are told to stress the Gospel to people- how Jesus saved us through His death and Resurrection. And we are to do it so that those who have trusted in God will be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Verse 9 tells us what's unprofitable and useless- the first thing on the list is foolish controversies (along with genealogies and arguments and quarrels about The Law.) I would say arguing about when the end times events will take place would count as foolish controversies. Jesus clearly said in Matthew 24 that there would be a number of false prophets saying that "Christ is here" or "Christ is there", etc. He clearly said if they tell you to rush out to the desert because Christ is there- don't believe them! 1 Timothy 6:20-21 also speaks to this. (But of course, Jesus also gave us numerous parables and warning about the end and told us to watch and pray- and we must balance that as well. However, the distinction I'm making here is getting caught up with predictions about the end to the extent that it's causing division in the church [which Titus 3 talks about] or that we become so Heavenly-minded that we're no earthly good, as the saying goes. [The converse is true as well- we can be so earthly-minded that we're no Heavenly good as well.] For further reference on this, just look at 1 Thessalonians 4-5 and 2 Thessalonians 3 in particular. We have clear commands against being idle and on how to live with the knowledge that Jesus will return one day and we must be ready- but even more so- we must make sure others are ready by sharing the Gospel with them! [See also 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 7:1 and 2 Peter 3- particularly verse 14. And Romans 13:8-14 and I'm sure there are others still.]
           And of course, Ecclesiastes 3 is also applicable. To everything- including the end times events- there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.) I also like to look at John 21:15-25. Here we have the scene where Jesus reinstates Peter and tells him very clearly, "Follow Me." And Peter notices John following them and asks, "Lord, what about him?" And I love Jesus' answer- in effect, He says, "What about him? If I want to be alive until I return- what's that to you? It's not your concern. I repeat- Follow Me." (my paraphrase there.) I think this passage can apply for us following Jesus now. And it's what I've been trying to get at here. I just think it's funny how much time and effort people put into trying to figure out exactly what Jesus told us we are not going to figure out- in fact, what Jesus told us is not for us to know. And He also told us what our focus should be- yes, keep a watchful eye out for signs of His return. Keep watching and praying. When you see these signs, lift up your head for your redemption draweth nigh! (see Luke 21). Keep meeting together in church, keep spurring one another on toward love and good deeds, keep persevering and living by faith. (see Hebrews 10:19-39). Jude 1:17-25 is another great call to persevere. And of course, 2 Timothy 3 and 4. Wow- that says it really well. Preach The Word- be ready in season and out of season. [Also see 1 Corinthians 9:16]
            So what if it looks like signs are coming together for the end times? They are going to do that just as God has prescribed and we really can't do anything about it other than to pray that God continues to extend His long-suffering and patience as He did for Nineveh, because The Lord's patience means salvation! (Don't forget that Jesus gave the sign of Jonah in Luke 11:29-32. But though the people of Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching- unfortunately, there is also a sequel to Jonah- the book of Nahum. And Nineveh does get destroyed at that time because they fell back into sin.) God will not stay His hand forever. He will judge everyone in righteousness in His due time. And the Gospel of Christ is the only way of salvation for all who will believe on Him. One last thing I was reminded about today just shortly after seeing this email. "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24 NLT) And- "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ... Therefore, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” [see Philippians 3:7-8 and Job 1:20-22- some of my favorite verses.]
            And another quote I've heard says it well, "...there is great security when God is not just number one, but everything in your life." Sometimes I honestly get scared seeing some of the world events and some of these predictions or reading of the horrible judgments the world will face in Revelation. But I also remember one of the most repeated commands in The Bible- "Fear not." I know God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And I know that I have (repeatedly :-)) put my faith in Jesus and asked Him to be my Savior and trust that He is faithful to do what He said He would do. I think there is still a human tendency to feel some fright at what we don't know and what we can't control- and the whole idea of experiencing things so different from what we've known. And I know there are a number of verses that talk about longing for the return of The Lord (2 Timothy 4:8; Philippians 1, Revelation 22:16-21 and others). And I remember when I first read Revelation 18 and really understood it- how evil the world system of Babylon is and how much it needs to fall- there are times when I do feel the longing to see Christ return and set right all wrongs. At the same time, there are things I'd like to accomplish in life that I don't know if they will ever happen for me. I'd like to find the right girl and get married and be a husband and a father. I'd like to find myself in the right place where I can do more writing and maybe get something published. I'd like to see more places around the world and continue to visit and connect with old and new friends. And I know all these hopes and dreams are in God's hands too. (Psalms 37:3-11 and Psalms 90:12 and Psalms 139).
           And I know I have to wait on The Lord's timing and trust Him. (Psalms 40). But I also know He must be my greatest desire above all else- as the deer panteth for the water, so my soul pants after Thee, O God. (Psalms 42). I think that's true sometimes- I know it's not true all the time and I know it needs to be true all the time. And that gets me back to the verses I quoted above. Ultimately- for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. That's what my status must be. I know I don't always feel that and I know I don't always live like that- but that's what it must be. Luke 9:23 says that if I want to come after Christ, I must deny myself and take up my cross daily and follow Him. Count the cost! I want my desire to be knowing Christ above all else and counting all else but dung, as Philippians 3:8 says. Because Job 1:21 is also true- naked I came into the world and naked I will depart. I didn't bring anything in and I can't take anything out. May The Name of The Lord be praised!
          Help me, God, to want You and nothing else. Help me to keep trusting You above all else. Even if that means I may never see these things I'd like to see happen come to pass, help me to trust that You have a good plan in mind for me- thoughts of good to prosper me and not to harm me- to give me a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) And to remember that Your thoughts and ways are higher and better than mine. (Isaiah 55:8-11) And help me to remember the truth of Isaiah 57:1-2. Help me to remember that even though no one will marry or be given in marriage at the Resurrection (Matthew 22), no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for You and The Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields- and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. (see Mark 10:17-31). Like Martha, I'm worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Help me to be like Mary who chose what is better and that will not be taken away from her. Help me to seek Your kingdom first and trust that You will add all that I need unto me. Help me to keep my treasure in Heaven and not on earth. Help me to trust You with everything and let You be my everything. God is in control. All will be done in His time. And He is making all things new! Even so, come Lord Jesus!