From time to time we hear proposals concerning the end time that leave us - well, shaking our heads. To at least some degree, the following is in response to one recent episode.
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William Cowper was problably the best-known composer of religious poems and songs in the eighteenth century. One of his more famous hymns begins with the words, "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform."
Of the weaknesses frequently encountered within the believing community (as with the apostle, most of us have yet to fully "arrive," Phil. 3:12), difficulty sometimes lies in our tendencies toward: 1.) "programming God," i.e., determining how He should effect the interests of our plans, wishes and agenda - religious or otherwise; and/or, 2.) defining in detail the means, avenues and procedures by which, allegedly, His stated objectives will be brought to fulfillment - such, of course, relating especially to concerns of the prophetic.
Particularly in terms of those adhering to a "futurist" point of view (this would include ourselves), much of the ongoing confusion relative to prophetic interests derives from a three-fold lack of awareness:
1. Prophecy is not given to satisfy curiosity regarding the future. Objective lies in larger purposes: "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10);
2. Prophetic intent is not decipherable by means of intellect alone. Insight is by revelation (Matt. 13:10-17). The religious leadership of Jesus' day had it "all figured out" and missed his advent entirely.
3. Prophecy never conveys the complete picture. What is given are reference points whereby meaning becomes more clearly discerned as time progresses and occasion requires. "In the last days you will understand it clearly" (Jer. 23:20; 30:24).
God's word will come to pass, but in ways often little anticipated. It has ever been so. Indeed, biblical pronouncements such as, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons that the Father has put in His own power" or, "In such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes" are in themselves designed declarations of human limitation (Acts 1:7; Matt. 24:44; cf. I Cor. 13:12: "We know in part").
God, after all, works in mysterious ways....
Thus the need for continuing alertness, openness and discerning sensitivity.
Burl Ratzsch
