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What Are We Watching For?
Aug. 2010
Discerning the Times- Part One
July 2010
Christians live with the expectation that prophecy will be fulfilled. And it's very hard to read most news without scenes from scripture entering our thoughts.
For those with a prophetic interest, this can be an exciting moment as the event is witnessed as it is being fulfilled. But not all news is a fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus referred to reading the signs in current events as discerning the times. Scripture offers some interesting guidance into how to "discern" matters.
Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Luk 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
It is interesting to note that Matthew used the word "diakrinō" for discern, while Luke used "dokimazō". Why or if these authors chose different words are subjects for another time. Suffice it to say that if scripture is inspired, in both instances, then each of these words must yeild information that would apply.
G1252
διακρίνω
diakrinō
dee-ak-ree'-no
From G1223 and G2919; to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively to discriminate (by implication decide), or (reflexively) hesitate: - contend, make (to) differ (-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.
Matthew uses a word that means to separate thoroughly. IOW, setting the time under consideration apart from all others in some way.
G1381
δοκιμάζω
dokimazō
dok-im-ad'-zo
From G1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: - allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.
Luke used a word meaning to test or prove these are the times. In these two words we have the structure of what constitutes discernment. The times are set apart from all others via proof and testing. It is not enough to think a news item sounds like what the bible says. Scripture must verify or deny that fulfillment exists.
The church was under attack continually, during Paul's day. And some were promoting the idea that the Day of the Lord had arrived. Many, seeing the times they were in, were giving the notion serious consideration. What type of witness would they prove to have if they started telling everyone the end was upon them? We are still waiting for the Day of the Lord.
Others were disturbed but investigated if it was true. Paul directed them to look to the lessons they had already been taught. [2 Th 2:5] Did all they were told concerning the Day of the Lord appear to be being fulfilled too? Paul reasoned if those things were not happening too, then those times couldn't be the Day of the Lord. Paul had already told them this:
1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
The world has had plenty to scoff at in the failed predictions that some, past and present, well meaning souls have supplied. A better witness would have been to heed Paul's instruction and maybe applies James' "swift to hear and slow to speak" approach to his walk. Discernment is an educated decision. And much needed in times like our own. It's a great witness when foreknowledge can be displayed in scripture.
Discerning the Times - Part Two
July 2010
Virtually every biblical region mentioned in prophecy appears in today’s news reports. These countries are arming themselves with state of the art weapons. They are forming religious, political and military alliances. They are experiencing increasing frequency in earthquakes. And the temple mount is at the center of controversy. All the while the rest of the world appears to be rushing towards promoting a one world financial and political solution to world problems. Technology is in place that can identify and track nearly every individual on the planet.
There is no question that these circumstances parallel what prophecy students see as the time of the end. Any prudent believer must observe the times as having prophetic potential. But the excitement of seeing such potential can become at odds with the prudence the believers must employ. It is possible that our zeal to find prophetic fulfillment in the news might actually bring about the fulfillment of some prophecy, to the detriment of the church’s witness.
Enthusiasm to display the fulfillment of biblical prophecy in the headlines has prompted some believers to predict certain prophecies will be fulfilled anywhere from within a few months to a year or so. That time will soon pass. And if these predictions prove to be more enthusiasm than fact, one can expect to experience the fulfillment of prophecies such as Peter described.
2Pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Failed predictions of prophetic fulfillment fuel mockery. Peter didn’t just provide prophetic foresight in this passage. He provided advice as well. Be mindful of the words spoken by the prophets. Let prudence temper excitement so your witness is sure. Mockery is a natural tendency of those who do not believe. Our words should not provide cause for their actions. Discernment should be our witness.
Remember that current events are not just prompting believers to think in biblical terms. Politicians and media alike are, on an increasing level, including biblical references when describing the events of the day. They use terms like Armageddon and apocalyptic to describe the times on a regular basis. Do a Google search on “Israel is a millstone” and you will see the phrase used in many news settings.
The times are such that even the world begins to suspect a biblical connection. If we create situations for mockery, this thinking could be quenched. That makes our reaching the world with the message of salvation that much harder. Christian enthusiasm shouldn’t hinder opportunity.
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
There is good reason the Ephesians were told of prudence in conjunction with wisdom.
2Ch 2:12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
Prudence, combined with understanding, builds the Kingdom of God.
By Frank DTTO-Prophecy Chat
The accounts of Jesus' words, concerning the need to watch, are in the Olivet discourse, and familiar to most Christians today. But are they really understood?
If one listens in on the conversations of Christians, they soon get the impression that watching is identifying which current events are the fulfillment of prophecy concerning end times. A deeper study into what it is, and is not, to watch could be of value.
Between the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus gives two reasons for the believer to be watchful.
Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Luk 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
We are to watch because we do not know the timing of the Lord's return and might become caught up in the cares of the world and be caught unaware.
This has been a reason to watch for every generation of believers since the Lord ascended into heaven. If watching depends on identifying which headline constitutes the fulfillment of prophecy then only the generation experiencing those fulfilling headlines would be the intended audience. Past generations of believers would not be alive at the time the right current events came about. That would leave those believers of the past without a way to watch, if the headlines were key, because they would never hear of the headlines that needed to be watched for. Jesus made it clear that His statement was not for a single generation of believers.
Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Watching constitutes maintaining a state of readiness without the knowledge of the timing of the Lord's return. Therefore watching cannot be dependant on recognizing the headlines that indicate prophecy is being fulfilled.
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Fortunately, Jesus did not leave us without example as to how to watch. Just a few short days after commanding believers to watch, Jesus demonstrated what it is to watch.
Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Mat 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Mat 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
Mat 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Jesus did not watch by posting guards to warn of the arrival of Judas and the soldiers. He didn't watch for any event to take place.
Instead, Jesus laid face down in the dirt and prayed He would do the will of God. He told His disciples that watching and praying was the way to overcome temptation due to weakness of the flesh.
Watching is relying on God to get you through the adversities that come to every believer so they can be found approved at the Lord's coming. It is not about figuring out the timing of any event.
By Frank DTTO-Prophecy Chat
