Extenuating circumstances prevented a regular commentary. But, I wanted to drop a few thoughts.
The Reason for Foretelling Prophecy
Typically we interpret prophecies very literally: this is
what will happen when. This is
important. When we give a wrong date as
fulfillment we can end up with horrible heresies. And, they give us a sign of the times we live
in; like a road sign on our way somewhere.
The signs let you know, among other things, what direction you are
going, what towns or cities you are approaching, any landmarks and/or
facilities you should be aware of, even what speed you should go.
But, prophecies are more than road signs. Prophecies are an assurance from the prophecy
giver that He is leading and guiding. He
knows the road. And, we are not
travelling on our own. God is not just
on the side lines cheering us on. God is
not just on the end line waiting with a towel and bottled water so we can
refresh when we are done. God is running
with us. In prophecy God tells us that
things will be bad before they get good.
But, we are not alone. If we
allow God, He will take us through the hardship victoriously.
He has promised us that He be with us. And, below there are a few verses to remind
us,
Mat
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Several times in the book of John Christ spoke of not leaving
us alone because He would send us a Comforter (the word in Greek – parakletos –
means walking companion):
Joh
14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send
in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Joh
15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall
testify of me:
Joh
16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go
away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I
depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh
16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into
all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear,
that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Speaking
of comfort: He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear,
1Co
10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear
it.
Lastly,
Christ told us not to worry about what to say in times of hardship,
Mat
10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall
speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Mat
10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which
speaketh in you.
Luk
12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and
powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall
say:
Luk
12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to
say.
Luk
21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye
shall answer:
Luk
21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries
shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
All this said, God still needs our
permission to accomplish this in us. Those
that give God permission are His saints.
