At times, we hear so much about eschatology and end-time prophecies that we become hardened and insensitive to the message. This happened to me as well—I became dull and hardened to it over time.
I remember when I was new in the faith. I was so excited to talk about this topic. Even though I knew that Jesus might not return in the immediate future, I was still eager to speak about it—not only because I was excited, but because I felt a genuine need to do so. I often shared this message with people who were not believers.
I also remember that some believers who had been in Christ longer than I had often disapproved of how frequently I shared this message. They told me that I should not speak about it all the time with people who were not believers. Still, I felt that the Spirit was moving me to talk about it. I believe there is great importance in this message.
This message reminds us of the urgency of accepting Christ and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. We should be ready and watchful. The Bible repeatedly warns us about what is to come so that we may remain watchful and prepared.
I don’t know whether there is a purpose behind why He doesn’t reveal the exact time and date. I don’t know, because even Jesus Himself said that neither He nor the angels know it, but only the Father in heaven (Matthew 24:36). Still, I know that this could also have a purpose. Maybe God knew that we, as people, would become hardened if we knew the date and time.
We don’t know for certain, but perhaps that is why God has kept this event a secret. It will happen at the appointed time, but we don’t know when—perhaps so that we may remain more watchful. Even if He doesn’t return in our lifetime, our end will still come at a moment we do not expect. And that is what eschatology does—it warns people to be ready.
What I noticed happening in my life over time, as this message was repeated, is that I became used to it and grew dull toward it. At the same time, however, this message is repeated for a reason. As the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, we need to comfort one another with the proclamation of Jesus’ return.
Still, after seeing many people talk about it and set dates on which Jesus was supposed to return, and seeing that nothing happens, I kind of pushed this message aside. But I acknowledge that this is not the right attitude. I believe there should be an urgency to mention it and remember it because the Bible tells us to do so.
Unbelievers see the signs and see that He doesn’t immediately come back, so they mock Him (2 Peter 3:3-4). For them, believing in the truthfulness of His promises would mean that He must return within their lifetime. But through the signs, God gradually reveals His faithfulness and confirms that He will eventually return. What happened to me is that I was influenced by the common opinion.
We have to admit that, at times, many people misuse the message of the end times and communicate it wrongly to their audience by setting dates and times. This is dangerous because people become disappointed when they see that these prophecies are not fulfilled. That is why, in a way, the Bible warns us not to do that when Jesus tells us that no one knows the exact time of His return.
When people do this, they do not encourage others or increase their faith. Instead, they weaken it and place a shadow of doubt in people’s hearts—especially in those who are new to the faith and those who have just heard the gospel. They see that these prophecies are not fulfilled. They are not fulfilled because only God knows when the end will come.
He did not tell us to make such prophecies or set a date for His return. He told us simply to be watchful. Yes, we can observe the signs, but at the same time, we mainly need to remain watchful. How? By praying, doing God’s work, and serving our neighbor. This is how we remain ready and watchful.
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