Stop and be Cautious

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32 ESV)

In this time of war in Israel, it is easy to get caught up in the similarities to the indicators of the final end times. I myself have been cautiously looking at what is occurring and seeing things that are present in Scripture. However, they have been present before.

We must be cautious. You can make a prophecy fit a similar situation if you really want it to fit. As Christians, we must be clear-headed. If you read Revelation and are looking for Palestine, Russia, or Iran, you will find them one way or another. Revelation is about Christ and His second coming, not these countries. Revelation is not about Iran and Palestine. Yes, there are clear markers in Scripture that indicate the second coming, but I remind you in our Scripture for today, not even Christ knows the time of His second coming.

End times began the day Christ was crucified. We have been in end times since then; how close we are to the end of time, we certainly do not know. I laugh at people who “calculate” when Christ will return. I find it sad that people “prophesy” the return of Christ because, in fact, they are not looking for Him in the present. All of this is foolishness.

I am a devout servant of God. I believe that Scripture is infallible. I believe in the resurrection and the second coming. I don’t think I can predict the return of Christ by comparing today’s news to Scripture. Specific key prophecies indicate the closeness of end times; sure, just stop looking for them. As a good Christian who studies the word of God, using sound theology and relying on faith, I can only look up. Trust me, I am constantly looking up.

Use this time of uncertainty to increase your holiness, deepen your relationship with Christ, and cleanse yourself from the world. You are a servant. A good servant is always prepared for their master’s return. Do not be caught unprepared. But friends, this is how we should always live our lives, not just now at the sight of war, out of fear, or while trying to guess when Christ will come. He will come, and we will go with Him. But Christ will come in God's time. All we have to do is be who we were elected to be: a child of God, full of love, trust, and faith in our savior.

Peace and Grace!