Few passages are as difficult to interpret as Jesus’ words to his disciples on the Mount of Olives right before his crucifixion (see Matthew 24 and 25, Mark 13, and Luke 21). But the primary application is clear: be on guard! Be aware! Keep watch!

Jesus answered, “At that time deception will run rampant. So beware that you’re not fooled! (Mark 13.5, Passion Translation)

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch!” (Mark 13.33 – 37, NIV, emphasis mine)

It’s October 8, and the weather couldn’t be nicer. Clear skies, a gentle breeze, highs in the 70s today. But look at the forecast for Thursday (the Red Flag Warning is for high fire danger Wednesday because of dryness and high winds):

As I said, it’s in the 70s today, with the big change coming Wednesday into Thursday. Overnight low Thursday morning is 21, and Friday morning is 7! 1-3” of snow on Thursday. So what?

• Bring the flowers in!
• I’ve already put the lawnmower to bed for the winter and moved the snowblower to the ready position.
• Be sure the generator is ready in the unlikely event we lose power.

In general, a warning should cause us to act! Often we are tempted to get tied up in the complicated interpretations of prophecy, but the purpose of prophecy is always a warning to act whether or not we know all the specifics.

When my kids were still at home, and we were going out for the evening, I might say something like, “Please finish cleaning up the kitchen before we get home or there will be consequences!” What I did NOT want to hear were questions like, “When are you coming home? What are the consequences if we don’t do it?” No! I just want them to do the work.

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1.1 – 3, NIV, emphasis mine)