When We Fail to Focus on Christ

This week—some random “ramblings.”

What happens when Christians fail to focus on Christ?

We might find it easier to focus on the “rules.” You should do this. You shouldn’t do that.

We might find it easier to focus on the second coming of Christ than on Christ Jesus. There are lots of sermons preached and books written about the Parousia—the second coming. All manner of theological ideas have been developed about it—premillennial, postmillennial, non-millennial, and on and on it goes. Some people have reached the conclusion that one cannot be saved without believing in the premillennial return of Christ, as opposed to the biblical teaching, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

Every time there is a conflict in the Middle East or a war in Israel, there are many who make the prediction that, this is it; it’s time for Christ return. Is it? I remind us all that there have been conflicts and wars in the Middle East off and on over the two thousand years since Christ death, burial, and resurrection, and the theocratic nation of Israel ended long ago, and the present state is a secular democratic state with no king from the Davidic line on the throne. For seventy-five years, since the British left Palestine, there have been wars and conflicts in Israel between the Jews and their Arab neighbors.

Jesus reminded us, Jesus, not a preacher or theologian or media personality…Jesus: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6)

And when we think this may be a sign of the end of times, we should remind ourselves of what Jesus, Jesus, said: “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, not the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) Why would the Lord reveal to someone today—preacher, teacher, author, or someone else—what Jesus, Jesus, said, he would not reveal to the angels of heaven, or to the Son?

The band of followers that were gathered with Jesus some forty days after the resurrection had the same burning question that many have today, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) They asked that question two thousand years ago, and many Christians still ask it today, and it has been asked continuously across the two millennia since Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.

We want to know the future, but the future is not ours to know. As Christians we “Walk by faith.” In the darkest of valleys or the brightest of mountain tops in life, we walk by faith. When life feels like its crashing, or when it feels like all is well, we walk by faith. The Lord has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, and even though there are times when it might feel like we’re forsaken, we are not. Life has its pain. Life is unfair. Life has its troubles, trials, and tribulations. It’s life. In good times or bad, we walk by faith.

When will Jesus come again and right all the wrongs?

When will God’s justice be served?

When will evil be defeated—“Cast into the lake of fire,” to use the apocalyptic language of the Revelation?

We want to know. So like the followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem on that day long ago, we too want to ask, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

It is important that we hear, that we pay close attention and see, that we take the time to think it through and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit about, the answer Jesus gave:

“It is not for you to know…it is NOT for you to know…the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.” (Acts 1:7)

Twice now we’ve heard from Jesus, from Jesus: 1. “But about that day and hour no one knows.” 2. It is not for you to know the times or periods.

How much clearer could he be?

There are two things we do know; two things Jesus made clear. First, “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33) {The Apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Thessalonica, and us, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them…” (5:2-3)} Second, it is not necessary for us to know “when.” It is necessary that we do the work of the kingdom while here and given the opportunity. After Jesus told them the time of his second coming was not their concern, he told them what their concern should be: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

As soon as Jesus told them their task, their commission, their responsibility, “He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)

We understand then why these followers of Jesus stood in amazement and were gazing up toward heaven. They were confused? Astonished? Questioning? How would you have felt if you’d been there?

Christians of the twenty-first century take note. We’re not to stand around gazing into heaven looking for answers to a question that God will not answer. We’re not to stand around gazing into heaven when there is the work of the kingdom to be done.

The return of our Lord is in the Father’s will, and nothing can change it. When John saw the scroll in the right hand of the one on the throne of heaven, it was sealed, and only the Lamb—our Lord Jesus Christ—is worthy to break the seals.

Our task is to be witnesses; to share the gospel—the good news of Jesus.

Look at and listen to the world around you.

It’s time to stop “gazing,” and start “doing.”