No small distinction exists between the date setting predilections of some as opposed to a biblically advocated perceptiveness - not in terms of dates, but rather times and seasons (I Thess. 5:10).
As to times and their meaning, Scripture offers this past example of discerning insight: Among those of the military who supported David's ascension to the throne upon King Saul's demise were "the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge as to what Israel should do" (I Chron. 12:32). It is an intriguing characterization.
In his prophetic Olivet Discourse, Jesus addressed the catastrophe of Noah's day - not only in terms of the Flood's devastation, but of the world's obliviousness to its impending occurrence (Matt. 24:38-39). Associating his promised return with a coming replication of "Noah's day" (vs. 37), Jesus emphasized the need to avoid being similarly caught off guard. The key to the time of the end and his accompanying return would lie in this: "When you [the Twelve as representing the believing community] shall see all these things (i.e., events detailed in vv. 4-32) [then] know that he [the returning Christ] is near, right at the door" (vs. 33). That the Church has sometimes been adrift in relation to this directive requires little comment.
At this juncture, all does not just suddenly happen or appear. Beginning with "birth pains" (Matt. 24:8; 'sorrows,' KJV), Jesus continues, end time events will progressively lead to a point wherein divine intervention is ultimately mandated in the interests of human survival (Matt. 24:22). Again, "when you shall see all these things..."
Of what then, in terms of present trend and development, should the believer be aware? Of various concerns, we again touch on the following: 1.) An increasing hostility toward biblically based faith, its observance and its adherents - the ultimate outcome of which is portrayed in Matthew 24:9 ("hated of all nations") and, on a more positive note; 2.) a growing awareness among the truly committed as to the oneness of Christ's Body - the ultimate outcome of which finds predication in both Christ's "High Priestly" prayer of John 17:20-22 and apostolic vision of final attainment ("until we all attain to...") in Ephesians 4:11-13 and 5:27).
Given an approaching day of purifying test (Matt. 24:9-14; particularly note vs. 13), we submit that the outworking of these and other trends will become increasingly clear to the perceptive in the light of both Scripture and an inspired, objective "understanding of the times."
Burl Ratzsch
