When?

After Jesus mentioned the destruction that would come to the temple and Jerusalem ( Matthew 24:1-2), the disciples wanted to know when all that would take place, what would be the sign of His coming, and of the close of the age. ( Matthew 24:3) Reading through this chapter we find His response to their three questions. Regarding His return Jesus warned that deceivers would come -- "false christs and false prophets" ( Matthew 24:24) -- and then made it clear that His coming would be an event that would not be missed when the time came. ( Matthew 24:23-27) However, in addressing the WHEN, Jesus simply stated. . .

"But concerning that day and hour NO ONE KNOWS, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, BUT THE FATHER ONLY." ( Matthew 24:36 ESV)

Still, how many have predicted the Lord's return, the day of God's judgment, or merely "doomsday" scenarios? Here are just a few among the many: the prophet Hen of Leeds (1806), William Miller (April 23, 1843), in 1835 Joseph Smith referred to the Lord's return coming within 56 years, Harold Camping of California (1994), Heaven's Gate in association with the Hale-Bopp comet (1997), Y2K (January 1, 2000), Ronald Weinland (2008), and Harold Camping at it again for May 21, 2011. Since that date also has come and gone, Harold Camping has moved the date to October 21, 2011.

So what is to be made of this? First of all we need to remember Jesus' clear and plain statement. He did not say, "No one, except Harold Camping. . . !" He said "NO ONE KNOWS, . . . BUT THE FATHER ONLY."

Besides the fact a true prophet will not contradict what God has preserved in the Scriptures, Moses recorded a simple way to tell a true prophet from a false one. We read. . .

"(21) And if you say in your heart, 'How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?' -- (22) when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, IF THE WORD DOES NOT COME TO PASS OR COME TRUE, THAT IS A WORD THAT THE LORD HAS NOT SPOKEN; THE PROPHET HAS SPOKEN IT PRESUMPTUOUSLY. You need not be afraid of him." ( Deuteronomy 18:21-22)

Many predicted dates have come and gone. Why are people still listening to these PRESUMPTUOUS PREDICTORS? The secret things of God are still His secrets ( Deuteronomy 29:29), but what He has revealed we will be blessed to keep in mind.

Since WE DO NOT KNOW the day or hour we must guard against becoming complacent as if it will not happen. (note 2 Peter 3:3-4 and 8-10). We ought to also always live PREPARED FOR WHENEVER THAT TIME WILL BE! That was the focus of two of the Lord's parables. ( Matthew 24:50 & 25:13) There is the need to remain alert. ( Matthew 24:42) Though we may have many days (as even a thousand years is nothing compared to the length of eternity), may we live each day as though it might be our last, since it very well could be either due to our own death or the Lord's return. Living for Him today, whichever may come first can be approached without fear. May we encourage others toward a proper relationship with the Lord so that this blessing may be theirs as well.

Have a great day LIVING EVER READY FOR THE TIMING OF GOD!
Carl

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