“Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:6-8).
There has been much discussion regarding when society will be able to return to work and to a semblance of normalcy. The main parameter given as an answer to the “when” question is, “It will be data-driven and not date-driven.” Rather than project a certain date for a “grand re-opening”, a state will have to meet certain data criteria before it can begin the process. This is frustrating for many because human nature likes a date to look forward to.
The disciples were not any different. They were looking for a time frame or date when Jesus would restore the kingdom to Israel. He told them to not be focused on the date. However, in Matthew 16, Jesus made it clear that being aware of the “data” of the times was important. The Pharisees and Sadducees were testing Jesus, asking Him to show them a sign or miracle from heaven. In reply, Jesus contrasted their knowledge of the weather with their understanding of prophecy: “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:2-3).
We will not know the date of Jesus’ return, but we can and should be aware of the “data” that points to His return. Jesus, in Matthew 24, gives much “data” or signs to watch for. He said there will be religious deception, wars and rumors of war, famines, pestilences (disease epidemics and pandemics, earthquakes, persecution of followers of Christ, lawlessness, and the gospel going out to the whole world. We now have a world economy which is a precursor to the setting up of a one world system – another “data” sign.
We are living in the last days! The data confirms it. The immanence of Jesus’ return should put an urgency in our lives! Jesus told His disciples to not worry about the date of His return, but to be focused on His mission of being His witnesses. Just because times and circumstances change, the mission still remains the same. We need to be more diligent in prayer, more intentional to care, and more prepared and available to share the good news of Jesus who desperately need Him whether they realize it or not. Jesus fills us with His Holy Spirit so we can be a capable participant in fulfilling His mission on earth.
Even though the data for the opening of Wisconsin and the coming of Jesus are different, my prayer is the same. “Even so, come quickly!”