Discerning the Times and What to Do

As much of the world enters into a new calendar year, it’s natural to think about where we are in the scope of history and where it’s all headed. Some are surprised we have reached the year 2026, having thought apocalyptic events would have overtaken us by now. Others assume we still have all the time in the world.

Does it matter? Where are we in the march of events? And what does that mean for your own life?

When asked by His disciples about signs that would herald His second coming and the end of the present age, Jesus Christ related a sequence of worsening conditions and events that would transpire (found in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21). He said that we would not know the exact time of His coming but that we could recognize its approach: “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” (Matthew 24:32-33).

There is a parallel here with Jesus’ first coming. He rebuked the religious teachers of that time who did not accept Him as the foretold Messiah—though they should have been able to see that. “He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening’” (Matthew 16:2). This has come down to us in the more recent form: “Red sky in morning, sailors take warning; red sky at night, sailors’ delight.”

Jesus continued: “Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:2-3).

There were clear indicators of the Messiah’s coming. Jesus’ ministry met the time frame of a prophecy in Daniel 9 of there being a specific number of years until the Messiah would come. It was during the time of the Roman Empire, the fourth ruling power mentioned in Daniel 2 and 7 that would see the coming of the Messiah. He was preceded by a prophesied Elijah figure who prepared the way and announced Him—John the Baptist. Moreover, Jesus’ miracles, His magnification of the law, His message and His character should all have told them what time it was—the time of the Messiah’s coming.

But they refused to see it. And many still refused even after His death and resurrection.

Today, since He also gave signs that would precede His future return, it’s vital that we discern them—and there are definite indications that we are in the end time. But the same discernment should have recognized when it was not yet the end time. And it should further inform us if we are in the end time but still with some significant time to go. We explore that needed perspective in this issue of Beyond Today.

Of course, it is not enough to know what time it is. We must know what to do in that time—as did the ancient sons of Issachar in our cover story.

If we realize there is yet time ahead of us, we should be very cautious. As time wears on, there is a tendency to let down in our attitude, thinking as the unfaithful servant Jesus spoke about, “My master is delaying his coming” (Matthew 24:48)—leading to misbehavior and mistreatment of others, resulting in judgment and personal destruction (Matthew 24:49-51). It is vital to continue in the good work God has appointed us to (Matthew 24:45-46).

Put another way, it is critical that we make good use of the time we have available. Even if we think we have time, it’s still limited—and any of us could die tomorrow. Scripture tells us not to fall asleep spiritually—but instead to “awake” and “walk circumspectly [carefully], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time [reclaiming it from other pursuits], because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:14-15). Seeming to have time to worthlessly burn is very deceptive.

Jesus said of His own work that He needed to do what He had to while there was still time—for at a certain point His work of that day could no longer continue (John 9:4). And the same applies to all of us now.

Several articles in this issue concern managing our time. A lot has to do with prioritizing—choosing what we will do with that precious resource. There is so much that can occupy our time. Jesus said: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day [of His return] come on you unexpectedly . . . Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34-36).

The Contemporary English Version paraphrases 1 Peter 4:7 this way: “Everything will soon come to an end. So be serious and be sensible enough to pray.”

This is not just a one-time choice but an ongoing choice. We have to take time—make time—to pray and study the Bible and live as God has called us to. All the distractions are a test of character. You make time for what you value most. If it’s important to you, you will fit it in.

What’s important to you? Make sure your relationship with God through Christ is at the top of the list—and stays at the top. If you’ve fallen short, repent and endure. Then you’ll be ready for the end when it comes—to proceed into eternity with the Father and Christ without end, at last unbounded by the constraints of time!