God is expecting us to understand the times and the seasons. God is interested that His children will know the times and the seasons so they will be ready. First Chronicles 12 says, “...of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Sometimes in Israel, He revealed it more to a certain tribe. But for us, as Paul said, “There is no need for me to tell you, because you perfectly know.”
“Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourself know perfectly.” How can you know perfectly if your church doesn’t teach it? How can you know perfectly if no one is telling you about it? The truth about God and His relationship with Israel has been completely revealed in the scope of the Bible. Like Paul wrote to the church in Thessaloniki, there is no need for us to be reminded of this, if we are students of the Bible.
In an age where the majority of churches do not deal with the subject of Bible prophecy, or study prophetic books like Daniel or Revelation, Paul highlights the importance of the subject in his letter to the church at Thessaloniki:
Acts 17:1-2
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
Later in this chapter, we’re told that, because of the stir this caused in the city, Paul and Silas were “sent away by night.” By this we know that Paul’s visit to Thessaloniki lasted less than a month, and he would later write to them about what he taught them during his visit.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
Though his visit to Thessaloniki was brief, Paul taught the infant church Bible prophecy. For this reason the church was aware that the coming of the Lord for His church was to be expected at all times, which is why he could say “that day” won’t overtake them by surprise, i.e., like a thief in the night.
It is a sad truth today that only a small percentage of people who call themselves Christians know the lateness of the hour and are expectant of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). While it is true no one is saved by their eschatology (the study of last days things), knowing what is coming does create in us an urgent burden for lost souls and a comfort in knowing that one day, in a twinkling of an eye, these bodies will be conformed to the image of His glorious body and we will forever be with the Lord (Philippians 3:21 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17, respectively).
Why would any Christian want to live without those things? How can any pastor avoid teaching those things when 27% of the Bible is prophecy? While there is much to be cautious of on the internet, it is also of a great benefit as it relates to our subject. If, for whatever reason, a pastor chooses to to skip prophetic portions of scripture, at least the people in the church can find truth online through a pastor who teaches the whole counsel of God.
Matthew 24:44
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Expectancy of the Lord’s coming is at an all time low, which means we should be expecting Him to come for us one day soon!
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus,