Why does God reveal what the future holds? So we will be spurred to change. What do you need to do to be prepared?
Approximately a fourth of the Bible is prophetic in nature. Much of this
material is profoundly connected to world-changing events. The Bible is
a perennially up-to-date, applicable book.
Regarding earth-shaping trends and occurrences, no section of Scripture
is more applicable to our world than the Olivet Prophecy, recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. This is where Jesus Himself warns us to be vigilant
about our spiritual state. He describes and summarizes the conditions and
events that will lead to His second coming. What should we be doing—or not doing—as
that time draws closer?
After describing the dire state of the world to which He would return,
Jesus said to His disciples regarding the exact time of His coming, "But
of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the
Son, but the Father alone" (Mark 13:32, New American Standard Bible).
That we will not know for sure does not mean we should neglect to keep
a watchful eye on world trends and conditions and our own spiritual condition.
Notice what Jesus instructs in the next verse: "Take heed, keep on
the alert, for you do not know when the appointed time is" (verse 33, NASB).
