"Tick...Tock..."

Why is it so difficult to pinpoint exactly where we are on God's Timeline?

Because the signs He gave us to watch for (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) were not clearly defined. (We touched on the reasons in our last post).

The disciples asked Jesus what will be the sign of His coming and of the end of the age? He answered by telling them to watch out for:

1. deception
2. wars/rumors of wars
3. famines
4. pestilences
5. earthquakes

That would be fine and dandy if those things had never happened before, but let's face it, there have always been:

1. deceptions
2. wars/rumors of wars
3. famines
4. pestilences
5. earthquakes

So what's different now?

Israel, of course.

The signs mentioned above were meaningless until the Jews were back in the land. It's important to remember that for almost 2000 years, Israel did not exist, and yet hundreds of prophecies regarding the end of the age refer to Israel, Jerusalem and the Temple. If Israel didn't exist, we couldn't possibly be near the end of the age.

Jesus said those signs were only the beginning. They would increase in both frequency and intensity--just like labor pains in a pregnant woman. But in Luke 21: 28 He says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." In other words, the believer won't be here to see the hard labor, though it's probable we'll see the beginning of the birth pains. Jesus put it this way: "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When it's branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer 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 genertion will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, buy My words will by no means pass away." (Matthew 24:32)

B ready 4 anything!

News:

• The journal, Science, reports a team of engineers invented a new system of skin-mounted electronics small enough to fit under a postage stamp-sized tattoo, as a means to monitor medical patients.
• The number of families living on food stamps increased by 70% since 2008.
• British courts sentence 2 men to jail time for inciting riots via Facebook.