Today’s scripture: Matthew 24:29-35 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
Call me weird, but sometimes I get a bit of a thrill out of watching some of the overly-zealous people on television spouting on and on about how they — and, supposedly, they alone — know exactly what God is foretelling in every single speck of Bible prophecy.
One of those shows just last week was called, “And God Speaketh to Me the Other Day and Saideth, ‘Ya Know What? I Really Didn’t Know What I Was Talkin’ About the First Go-Around When I Inspired the Bible. So, I’m A-Gonna Let You — But Only You — Tell the Masses What I Really Should’ve Said In the First Place’.” (Oh, alright. I made up the name, but you understand the point I’m trying to make.)
Today’s passage is Jesus talking about the future. The smartest human who ever lived is trying to explain something that is going to happen a long time from his listeners’ present existence. I think it would have been kind of pointless to say, “Well folks, in 3027 AD, at the following lines of global latitude and longitude, these are the names of the countries that will then exist. And here’s the imminent biological disaster that will obscure the solar rays at that time. And. . .”
I’m also reminded of another passage Acts 1:6-7:
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, ‘Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?’ And he said unto them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.’ (KJV)
It appears that, sometimes, God simply chooses not to reveal specifics of future events. But why fret? There is still plenty to glean from what is told. For example:
- Verse 29: Visual atmospheric changes will take place.
- Verse 30: Jesus will return.
- Verse 31: Jesus will be accompanied by his angels.
When I come to the places where I lack understanding, I admit my lack of knowledge, but still continue to pray, study, and seek the wise counsel of others. I also focus on verses I do have some grasp on, such as 35: “Sky and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”
Thought for the day: God’s words — though they sometimes strain my brain as I try to understand them — are so much more worthwhile than anything a mortal can say.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.