The one thing about the end times that is very clear in the Word is that only the Father knows when Jesus will come again.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. (Mk 13:32-33)
We can discern the signs and look with expectation toward that day, but only a fool will try to say this is the day or that is the day.
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mk 13:21-23)
The same account is included almost word for word in 3 of 4 Gospels, so it is important, (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21), but we are not to focus on those things, or look at them with fear … in fact we are told to rejoice. Many have come before and many more will come, trying to deceive the elect. If we know the Word, and spend time with the Lord in prayer and worship we will not be deceived. Let us watch, wait, be ready, and in the the meantime preach the Kingdom and make disciples of all nations. As Paul said in 1 Thess 5:2-6:
For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do,but let us watch and be sober.
As the Bereans did, know the signs of the times, and search the Word to prove all things … Be Blessed, and be ready.
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