Rediscovering The Power And Purpose Of Bible Prophecy

This one comes from Joel Rosenberg and it underscores the vital importance of biblical prophecy, particularly at this moment in history:

Rediscovering The Power And Purpose Of Bible Prophecy

His first reference here, which is found in Luke 12:51-56 is a favorite of mine in the sense of revealing what Jesus thought of people who choose to ignore biblical prophecy during the era of His first coming. It is quite clear that Jesus expects us to know and understanding the prophetic scriptures, especially when it concerns His coming:

* In Luke 12:51-56, the Lord Jesus said these words: “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it turns out that way.You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?”

* In the first century in the Roman-occupied land of Israel, people were living in a time of great anxiety. They were worried about their own future. They feared war and drought and famine and natural disasters. They desperately wanted and needed a Savior. Yet Jesus rebuked them. Why? He scolded them for having all the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures that told them so many details about who the coming Messiah would be, but not carefully studying those prophecies in the Word of God. They weren’t observing the prophecies and comparing them to current events. They weren’t “connecting the dots.” They weren’t realizing the power or purpose of Bible prophecy. Thus they were missing the fact that Jesus Himself was the Messiah, was standing in their midst, and was ready, able and willing to save them from their sins and their sadness.

* Today, we, too, are living at a time of great anxiety. People are worried about their own future, and the future of the world. There is a growing threat of a major war breaking out soon in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Various nations in Europe are collapsing economically. The American economy is in deep trouble and we are facing the very real threat of fiscal and moral implosion. We’ve seen an explosion of violence and a murder wave even in small towns in America. We’re facing all manners of natural disasters, including terrible drought, historic fires, and now another serious hurricane aimed again at the Gulf Coast.

* What’s remarkable is that all of these trends here in the U.S. and around the world are consistent with Bible prophecies about the “last days.” We are seeing End Times Bible prophecies coming true all around us, all of which tell us that we are steadily approaching the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Yet far too few people are studying the Word of God. They aren’t connecting the dots. They don’t understand the power and purpose of Bible prophecy. Thus they are missing the fact that Jesus Christ is calling them to Himself. He wants to save them from their sins and sadness. He came to offer the free gift of eternal life, and abundant life. And He’s coming back in person soon.

Mr. Rosenberg goes on to explain another enigma during this time - the aspect of so many pastors who are not teaching biblical prophecy. Below are just the headlines for his detailed view of this topic:

First, many pastors don’t teach prophecy because they have a lack of belief in the power of God’s Word.

Second, many pastors don’t teach prophecy because they have a lack of knowledge of — and sound training in — Bible prophecy.

Third, many pastors don’t teach prophecy because they have a fear of being lumped in with “prophecy nuts” and those who peddle sensationalism.

Fourth, many pastors don’t teach prophecy because they have a lack of understanding of the times in which we live and the increasingly close return of Christ.

Ignore prophecy at your own peril. To elaborate on the above, if you want to see how Jesus views prophecy and those who ignore prophecy, I suggest a detailed study of the scriptures below:

Luke 12:35-35-48

Luke 12:54-56

Luke 24:13-27

Luke 24:37-49

Mark 13:32-37

These passages represent just a few scriptures where Jesus reveals the importance of biblical prophecy. He clearly expects us to have enough interest in His coming to read about and understand the signs of His coming. He also expects us to be watching and waiting.

Perhaps the apostle Paul put it best:

"Now there is in store for me the crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6)

Are you longing for His appearing?

Maranatha! He is coming!