Prophecy News Watch

It seems that with so many political and social changes happening in the United States over the last few years, prophecy news watch outlets and pundits are busier than ever.

• Blood Moon Prophecy
• The Mayan Calendar
• “Jade Helm” ending date coinciding with Biblical prophecy
• The Bible Code
• The Mystery of the Shemitah
• Among many others

To be completely honest, if I was to deeply research all of these and the many other upcoming prophetic events according to “prophecy news watch” outlets, I would have to neglect my family, my calling as a pastor, and even neglect the Great Commission itself.

No Secret Meaning

To say it lightly, I am very skeptical of anyone who tries to claim that there is some secret message embedded in the Scriptures that the original author didn’t intend. The only time I am convinced that this is true is when the New Testament itself clearly makes this delineation of a particular Old Testament text. God is allowed to change the meaning of an Old Testament text from what the author originally meant. I don’t have this privilege, nor does any man.

Now, I don’t want to bulk all prophecy speculation into one category, because I realize they are not all the same. But, I want to lovingly and graciously encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ not to obsess over when, exactly, Jesus is coming back.

Should we read the Scriptures and understand what is clearly prophecy? Absolutely. But we should not spend too much time worrying about what is not clearly written in the Scriptures, especially if the person pushing such ideas claims that there is some hidden meaning. God’s Word is clear, and is “useful for teaching” (2 Tim. 3:16), NOT to be used for fear mongering or to sensationalize God’s truth.

Be Faithful

Anything besides the plain truth of the Scriptures will “promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work- which is by faith” (1 Tim. 1:4).

My encouragement: be faithful, no matter what. If Jesus is coming back on October 17^th of next year at 10:47am, until then we should pursue holiness, seek God’s face, and make disciples. If he’s coming back in May of the year 3128…we should pursue holiness, seek God’s face, and make disciples. There is no meaningful difference.

He’s coming back

Know that Jesus is coming back. Also, know that Bible clearly declares we can’t know exactly when He is coming back. In fact, “the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matt. 24:44). The Bible never encourages us to try and figure out the exact date of Jesus’ return. However, the command to “be ready” is always applicable.

Live life knowing that Jesus could come back at any moment. Then we won’t have to worry about the exact date or time that He actually does.