Warm hellos to you dear brethren, co-workers, and spiritual family here on the Coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and scattered children of God from our offices here in Spanish Fort.

I use the word “warm” in an amicable or cordial way, but this time of year here in the U.S. many are not “warm” temperature wise. It is still winter for a good part of North America.

We’ll soon be entering the shortest month on the Roman calendar. I hope it won’t seem like the longest month to many of God’s family in enduring cold winter weather!

In my last Friday evening pastor’s letter we read the instructions by Jesus to His disciples about “praying that their flight from Jerusalem would not take place during the winter!”

Judea normally didn’t and doesn’t experience below zero Fahrenheit temperatures, although the winters can be relatively cold and often rainy. Let’s look a little closer at what Jesus said. It seems to indicate that the timing of some of the events at the end of the age are not set in concrete. This fits in with the precise instructions for you and me to be vigilant and watching!

We had looked at the possibility last week about whether the destruction of a future Temple would take place on the same date as the destruction of the Temple of Solomon and the Herodian Temple. It’s possible with the variable being when the armies show up and surround Jerusalem taking action. The recorded events that accumulated to the destruction in 70 A.D. took some time.

Matthew’s account of the Olivet Prophecy also records the warnings made by Jesus about deceivers, deception, and signs and wonders. (Matthew 24:24) It’s a fascinating study. The actions of the false prophet come readily to mind. “He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast . . .” (Revelation 13:13-14)

Jesus also clearly cautioned about being taken in by any claiming that Christ had come when He did not yet come. (Matthew 23:23).

My experience over the decades, is that we have seen many, even those observing the Sabbath, claiming to have an exact date when Christ would come. I’ve met several who claimed to be one of the two witnesses. Sadly, I even met a person once who stated “I am both of the two witnesses”.

In Matthew 24:23-26 Jesus said, regarding “that day and hour” of His coming, that “no one knows.”

We understand that the Festival of Trumpets anticipates the blowing of seven trumpets that culminate with Christ’s return to the earth and the resurrection of the saints. (Mt 24:30-31; 1Thes 4:16) We’re not told exactly when the first trumpet will sound and when the seventh trumpet will sound. It appears that the first trumpet will sound on the Festival of Trumpets, but no one knows exactly when the seventh trumpet will sound. This would harmonize with the typology of the Feast of Trumpets and not knowing the day of Christ’s coming.

Matthew 24 gives examples of life continuing on as it always has and the surprise circumstances of Christ’s return. “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:38-39)

We as human beings adjust and adapt to trying circumstances and simply often just go on living our lives the best we can. If we are not careful we can become complacent and think “the Lord delays His coming”.  Jesus states twice more “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Mt 24:42, 44).

In verse 44 Jesus directs His comments to His disciples, “Therefore you also be ready.” Jesus goes on to encourage His disciples to be mindful of and focus on the needs of others and not give in to cynicism and self-indulgence. The duality of His disciples is clear, it applies to you and me as well.

There will be surprises! If Christ’s disciples know the Scriptures, searching them daily and often,  and are discerning of the events around them, it appears that they can make a move to safety before it is too late.

It’s important to remember that a number of details need to be in place as to know we are close to that time. We shouldn’t look to just one event. Over the years too many have done such.

Christ did say that the disciples who are watching and discerning will know when Christ’s return is near. “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near–at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” (Matthew 24:33-34) The word “near” is connected to a “generation” – not to a day or an hour.

It would be unwise to sound an alarm prematurely of some exact day or hour and be accused of being some type of false prophet or if you remember the story of “Chicken Little”. However to ignore what scripture says would be foolish indeed. The principle is to watch, and examine our lives and be alert!

We should watch geopolitical world conditions. But ever so more importantly, you and I need to be watching and carefully assessing our spiritual condition. As I mentioned last time, “…Jesus gives some warnings and prodding to be alert to what is happening around us in an increasingly troubled and dangerous world. Luke 21:36 admonishes us to be carefully watching world events, but even more importantly our own spiritual condition with our Creator.”

May God bless and encourage you on His upcoming Sabbath, and I wish you good health.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.