Trying to Predict the Future

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Scripture:

Mark 13:28   “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Mark 13:32   “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Observation:

Jesus is trying to teach his disciples something about what they will soon be facing. At the same time, he is letting them know that there will be unknowns. Ultimately this is an encouragement that the end is not in doubt, and that God’s good purposes will be accomplished. The lesson for all God’s followers is that they are to remain awake and attentive. 

Application:

When I was I was in High School there were many predictions about the future, and the return of Christ This section of Scripture was used as evidence and it included the rebirth of the nation of Israel. If all the calculations were made, then Jesus was coming back sometime in the 1980’s. I was sad because I was looking forward to living my life, getting married, and having a family. I also didn’t understand how these preachers were making predictions when Jesus, himself, had said that he didn’t know the day or the hour. Kent Brower tells us, “The history of Christianity is littered with the failed predictions of those who claim to be able to unlock the mystery of Mark 13 and similar passages, read the signs of the times, and forecast the return of Christ.” (NBBC) 

Far too often we try and predict the future and when we do so, we begin to depend upon our own wisdom and resources. The beauty of this passage is that it is a lesson for Christ-followers to learn to live in dependence on the Lord, each and every single day. No matter what is happening in the world, God’s people are to be found faithful, maintaining the work of Christ, even in his absence. This is a heavy responsibility. 

I write this today in the midst of the COVID-19 threat to our world. This has been a reminder that we can’t predict the future, nor can we be dependent upon the rulers or powers of this world. Our hope is in Jesus, the one who reminded us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Therefore, I choose to live life wide-awake, continuing to do the Lord’s work each day, and living dependent upon the One who is eternal. 

Prayer:

Lord, today, I trust in you. Tomorrow, I trust in you. For all of eternity, I will trust in you. 

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