"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its
branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer
is near. "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it
is near--at the doors. Mark
13:28-29 NKJV
I first wrote this column several years ago but it seems
that almost every year I repost it because it simply seems to be so very
applicable to the times and seasons we find ourselves in. The world in general and believers in
particular, all seem to believe the world is at a tipping point in its history
and we are simply waiting for the match to light the fires of conflict. It’s with this in mind that I would once
again post this article and include some new developments for your
consideration.
I find it surprising when so many ask me why I choose to
study and teach on prophecy when there are so many portions of scripture like
this one from Mark that make it clear what Jesus expects from us. I try to
explain to those who question that this is not merely a suggestion from God,
but a command repeated over and over again. As such, I try to get the point
across that if God commands us to watch, it is because He intends to show us
signs that we will recognize as harbingers of the end of this age. One of the points
I have often contemplated concerning this passage is if it is possible God is
giving us a clue as to when the rapture might occur, as well as many of the
other coming signs, when He chooses to use the season of summer in this
passage.
As I considered that, I also was reminded of something I
realized back in the day when I was a history major in college. Do you know the
vast majority of conflicts and wars this world has seen have started during the
summer months? What is my point? I just wonder if the conflict that God reveals
in His Word concerning the future of Israel and the world, taken along with His
command to watch with a reference to the season of summer, should be a major
clue to those of us who choose to obey His command to watch? Could it be
that Jesus is suggesting to us through this passage in Mark that we should be
especially watchful during the summer?
The term “dog days of summer” is probably familiar to most,
yet many are probably not aware of what it means or of its origin. Actually,
the answer to that question is hazy and debatable, while some believe it may
date back as far as the Roman Empire. As to what it might mean, let me make a
suggestion based solely on my own observations and experiences. One, like most
people I have a dog. I also live in a part of the country which experiences
summers which tend to occasionally receive triple digit heat late in the
season. I have had occasion to notice dogs get a little testy during
these days of excessive heat, exhibiting a marked lack of patience and a
tendency to growl and lash out when disturbed. A funny thing though, I have
also noticed here and there that people tend to do the same thing as well.
As I have watched and waited for the return of our Lord I
have noticed that we as believers are not immune to the same feelings of
impatience and irritability that are a common occurrence in this life. A large
part of my watching revolves around research which necessitates visiting a
large number of websites and reading commentaries, blogs, and letters by other
believers who have answered the call to watch. In the past few years as
seasons, watch days, prospective rapture dates, etc. come and go I would have
to say it appears that the collective mood of the body displays an increasingly
impatient, sometimes argumentative and discouraged appearance.
Now the upside to this is that it is obviously a sign that
the body is anxiously awaiting the rapture and the longer we wait the greater
the relief when it occurs, but we also need to guard our hearts from allowing
the disappointment that we are still here from manifesting itself in actions
which hurt our witness to others, as well as dividing the body according to
positions we might hold because of our individual opinions on doctrinal issues.
I think this is exactly what Paul had in mind when he wrote the following
verse.
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be
like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, Romans 15:5 NKJV
In this letter to the church at Rome, Paul gives
instructions concerning how believers should relate to one another in chapters
fourteen and fifteen. I think it's very instructive that when talking about
this subject, of all the attributes Paul could choose to describe our Father he
chooses “patience and comfort” to show us exactly what we need to imitate in
order to achieve harmony with each other. Especially helpful to me is the
definition of “like-minded” that we find mentioned here. It is the Greek word phroneĊ, which basically means that
although we might have an opinion, it is more important to strive for harmony
rather than arguing to the point of causing division.
For many the disappointment of still being here can lead to
discouragement which is an open door to the feelings we have talked about, yet
we do have a reason to be encouraged about the situation we find ourselves in.
In this passage from his letter to the Corinthian church Paul gives us some
instructions we can use to combat the “dog days” we seem to be experiencing.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man
is perishing, yet the inward [man] is being renewed day by day. For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding
[and] eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen [are]
temporary, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. 2 Corinthians
4:16-18 NKJV
Paul says we need not be discouraged because every day we
are being “renewed” whether or not we realize it. The word for renewed means we
are given new strength and the best way I can see to receive that is to keep
looking ahead towards what we know is the promise of things to come. We are
also told we are being prepared by enduring what is described as a “light
affliction”. Now I'm sure many of us might not see it that way but notice also
that Paul tells us that the affliction is for a “moment” and is not going to
last forever. The end will eventually come and when it does, we will finally
see that the eternal was worth what we endured while here. The best way I know
to avoid discouragement is to focus on the finish, and not the race, or we will
stumble and lose heart.
As believers we are not immune to the emotions living in
this world can produce, especially when someone turns up the heat. Impatience
and discouragement are tools Satan uses to cause us to stumble, but by focusing
on the promises from God which we have concerning what lies ahead we can
overcome the emotions that come when we feel the heat. I believe we can
also expect to see a sharp increase in the signs we are told to watch for in
the coming weeks and months as the time for our release from this world draws
near.
With that in mind, am I the only one who has noticed a sharp
increase in the “war talk” that has emerged in the news lately? While like many right now, I take anything
and everything I hear on the news with a large grain of salt, it is becoming
increasingly obvious that North Korea has become very belligerent and
confrontational with the United States.
Rumors of how and when the US might decide to act are becoming more and
more frequent in the news, and many are of the opinion it will be sooner rather
than later. One can only speculate what
the fallout from a confrontation with North Korea would be, but I am sure all
would agree that any action we might take would be criticized by many.
I have included a few links on this subject for you to read
which have just appeared this past week in the news. The expectations many have voiced about the year 2017, the eclipse which is soon to occur, the coming Revelation 12 sign, wars and rumors of wars, all feed the expectation that this may finally be the time of our deliverance. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Keep watching.
