February 9
Exodus 23-24
Psalm 19:7-14
Proverbs 4:20-22
Matthew 24:36-51
No One Knows?
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Matthew 24:36 LSB
This verse is used frequently among Christians to discourage the study of eschatology. Many teachers and even pastors claim that this verse means that Jesus says there is no way to know when He is coming back so we might as well not even think about it or study it. We won’t be able to figure out when he is coming and it is a waste of time to even try. I do not believe that is sound theology and I believe that it is taking scripture out of context and failing to consider the entirety of God’s Word to us. God has included numerous passages in the Old and New Testaments about His second coming. If He did not want us to know about it and study it so that we understand it better, He would not have included it in His Word. I Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (LSB) God has given us information about His second coming so we will be equipped and prepared for that day. The following passages gives us further insight:
“Now concerning the times and seasons, brothers, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman who is pregnant, and they will never escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief, for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night or of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since you are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” I Thessalonians 5:1-8 LSB
“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” Matthew 24:32-33 LSB
The passage in Thessalonians goes along with our passage from yesterday about light and darkness. It makes it very clear that we will be able to discern when the time is drawing near for Jesus to return. We will not know the day and the hour of His return, but we will see the season approaching if we are watching for the signs that He clearly outlined in His Word. Those who walk in darkness will be surprised. It will come as a thief in the night for them. They will have no idea that the time of the end is near. They will be carrying on with their lives as always oblivious to the signs around them. But those who walk in the light, those who have a relationship with Jesus will be looking for His return. We will be busy carrying out His mission for us to spread the gospel to everyone. Our hand will be to the plow but watching for His return because we have diligently studied His Word and recognize the signs around us. At Jesus first coming, many missed Him because they were not watching. The prophets had given them more than enough information to recognize when the Messiah came the first time, but most missed it. Simeon and Anna were watching and God blessed them with the opportunity to behold the Messiah. We have been given more than enough information to see His second coming approaching. Will we fail to recognize the signs and be caught off guard? Or will we be awake and ready when He appears in the sky?
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