A Study in Prophecy
As we near the new year, we can anticipate increased interest in the return of Christ. So we can find help in Mark 13, which records Jesus' teaching concerning the end of the age and gives important guidelines for understanding prophecy.
A study of Prophecy is valuable, so be teachable.
God has placed prophecy in Scripture for a definite purpose. It provides hope, stimulates study, and realigns priorities. Perhaps the greatest benefit of studying prophecy is that it motivates purity. Simon Peter wrote, "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming" (2 Peter 3:11,12).
A study of Prophecy is deliberately vague, so be flexible.
When people pressed me about my views on the millennium, I responded, "I don't know. I'm not on the program committee - I'm on the welcoming committee!"
A basic guideline of Scripture interpretation is, "Literal if possible, figurative if obvious." But when studying prophecy it is not always obvious what is figurative and what is not. For example, the Old Testament predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). That was literally fulfilled. But the Old Testament also predicted that the Messiah would be preceded by Elijah (Malachi 4:5). That prophecy was fulfilled figuratively in John the Baptist. Since we can't always tell what is figurative and what is literal, it is wise to be flexible and to respect differences of interpretation.
Certain signs will signal the end, so be perceptive.
Jesus pointed to various signs (Mark 13:8). "These are the beginning of birth pains," he said. Birth pains intensify in degree and frequency. But they signal the coming of a positive, exciting event.
Jesus then went on to predict the persecution of Christians (vv. 9-13); the "abomination that causes desolation" (vv. 14-23); false claims of Christ's arrival (vv. 21-23); and cataclysmic events in the heavens (vv. 24, 25).
Jesus reminded his listeners that they could know the seasons by the blossoming of a fig tree (vv. 28-31). It requires perception to recognize the fulfillment of prophecy.
Christ will return in power, so be hopeful.
Johnny Carson once asked Billy Graham, "If Jesus came back today, we'd probably kill him again, don't you think?"
Graham seized the opportunity to say that Jesus was coming back someday, but the next time he won't come as a baby - he will come as a king (Mark 13:26).
When Christian values are ridiculed and the church appears inept, it's encouraging to remember that Christ is going to return in power and victory.
The day and hour are unknown, so be ready.
One thing is made clear repeatedly in Scripture: no one knows when the Lord will return (v. 32). When sensationalists predict exact dates, don't get sucked in.
We must live in anticipation. As Martin Luther suggested, we should live as though Christ died yesterday, arose today, and is coming back tomorrow.
Consider:
I. If you could ask Jesus one question about his return, what would that be?
2. What is the most exciting thing to you about the second coming of Jesus? What is the most disturbing?
How can you (and other Christians) specifically obey Jesus' commands to "Be on guard! Be alert!" (v. 33).
Pastor Paul Leavens