There we are lot of people who say a lot of things about the Lord’s soon return. They set dates, they claim they have a ‘word from the Lord,’ and they make similar bold statements. These same may have even been hosted by other watcher podcasts who claim a similar message of knowing when the Lord’s return is. It’s not their fault, they are doing and being their best, saying what they believe to be true, and trying to encourage others in the body of Christ who are just as desperate for the Lord’s return as they are.
In all of this, we need to let it go. People miss-speak all of the time. Preachers do it, evangelists do it, and even teachers and podcasters too. The truth is, we do and speak our best with what we know in our heart to be true; Jesus is coming soon, very soon! We just don’t know exactly when; even though many watchers produce podcasts with varying formulas that proclaim a day in time that will pass like all of the rest. A mature believer/watcher will observe them, make a note of it, and move on. We should never set our hearts on a certain date for the Lord’s return; rather, we should just know that He is close, even at the doors. (Matthew 24)
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion (disorder) but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” – 1 Corinthians 14:31-33
Simply put, it can be easy to put the blame on a fellow watcher and criticize their Rapture theories and potential dates. They like us, are just people, fellow believers, who are also looking for the Lord’s return. It’s in our fallen nature to attack those who hurt us or give us a false hope. We want someone to blame so we don’t look as foolish as others make us out to be as watchers. Our ‘foolishness,’ as they call it, is a matter of perspective. We are called to watch for the Lord’s return by Jesus. (Matthew 24,25) We are also called to live out our faith in Jesus as we watch for Him and encourage others in His name.
Paul reminds us, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13,14
Blaming others for their impotent high watch date only complicates our focus and reveals our immaturity. Ascribing a title as ‘false prophet’ to them will only sour your own faith and your watcher prowess. We need to pray for them, release them to the Lord, and move on in our walk; after all, we’ve made mistakes too.
The Apostle John tells us to test the spirits. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” – 1 John 4:1-3
Bottomline, the closer we get to the return, the most distraction will manifest. We need to keep our eyes on the prize and trust the Lord each day for that measure of grace that we will need to endure one more day as we encourage others in their walk. We are God’s light in a dark world. The darker this world gets, the more our light needs to shine. We bring God’s truth wherever we go; that truth is the very thing that is going to save those who need Jesus and bless those who have Him already.
Don’t blame others for their passed high watch dates, but rather, spur one another on in their faith; remind them that we are not long for this world, even as we make plans for the next thing that God has called us to. It’s a paradox; but God’s in the center of it. Look up, but plan long, but still, look up.
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 