PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
If you were planning for the future, how would you prepare? With an IRA or paying into Social Security? Purchase a house and think about retirement savings for the trips you’d take?
I met a fellow once who said, “I don’t prepare for the future. That’s unspiritual.” Then I walked with him to his garage crammed full of stuff. Like stacks of egg cartons and cottage cheese cartons and lids everywhere.
“What are you saving these things for?” I asked. “Well, you never know when you might need them,” he said. So, he was preparing for the future.
Spiritual Preparation
Mark 13 reveals what’s going to happen someday and how to prepare.
Mark 13:28-32 NASB, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day or hour no one know, not even he angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”
If you’re going to get your spiritual life going, you need to plan for the future as described in Mark 13. Important things to consider. . .
1.) Forget about the buildings.
Mark 13:2, “And Jesus said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down.’”
The Jerusalem temple’s physical splendor–what a sight to see. Awesome fifty-foot tall architecture towered over the landscape. You couldn’t climb any of the hills without seeing this huge, gold-covered building.
The site also signaled a proud history. It was here that Abraham lifted his hands to bring the knife down on his only son, Isaac. David stopped a plague here coming through the city when he offered the sacrifice. Solomon built the original glorious temple at this very spot. For the people of Israel, this was also God’s dwelling place. His presence at the temple provided them a sense of identity too. Yet, Jesus said, “Forget the building. It won’t last.”
Perhaps He’s telling you, “Forget about your own building.” It hasn’t always been there and will not renaub forever. At this meeting place, you gather to get close to Him and a fellowship of special people. Maybe it’s a campground, retreat center, or church with stained glass windows. You’re got a proud and emotional history invested there. But don’t worship the structure. Buildings come and go. The best of them can suddenly be destroyed. Give your heart, homage, and commitment to Him only.
Seek God’s Bigger Plan
So, how can you forget about your building? Look up and all around you to discover the bigger picture of what God’s doing.
One of the problems for the disciples–the temple became the center of all spiritual activity. History records Jesus’ followers didn’t get out and about much before the temple’s destruction. He wanted them to spread the Gospel outside their comfort zone.
Maybe you’re stuck and quite satisfied with what God has done in your past. The need for growth in your spiritual life may mean God drives you on to new adventures by shaking things up, inciting change, forcing you to move on. Maybe you need to base your growth and survival on nothing but God. So, Follow Him.
Sometimes we count on a building for spiritual stability. Or we depend on certain people to keep us on the right path. However, your service, fellowship, and fulfillment should be based on God’s presence and direction alone. It’s you and Him. Meanwhile, you can enjoy all He provides at this moment. But be willing to follow His call when present comforts collapse.
2.) To plan for the future, ignore the noise.
Mark 13:6, “Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many.”
There will be much religious and secular noise to distract you. How do you know what noise to ignore? Here are some clues, some questions to ask of the people making the noise in your life. Do they display any of these signs?
How important is fear in keeping people in line (Mark 15:7)? What’s the fear factor in the message?
Do folks who practice this way of life allow or pay attention to independent Bible study (Mark 12:5)? Or is the teaching so complex only a certain teacher can interpret it? Can you learn it on your own by a careful study of the Word? Do mental games seem to be the key to understanding (Colossians 2:8)?
Fake Noise
Does the whole system sound a bit artificial (Colossians 2:23)? If it sounds off-kilter from sound doctrine like something someone dreamed up, ignore it. Perhaps it’s based on a perverted translation of Scripture (2 Corinthians 4:2). Does it cause dissension among believers (Titus 1:10,11)? Do proponents deny Christ is fully God (John 1:1) and also fully man (2 John vs.7)? Do they make troubling claims such as the Lord has already returned and you missed Him (2 Thessalonians 2:1,2)?
The Bible says there will be people spouting religious noise that doesn’t line up with the truth. Be a careful student who studies the Bible to fact check the source. If you find error, ignore them. Learn to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit instead.
Don’t Sweat the Words
Another way to get ready for the future is to relax about the words you’ll speak.
Mark 13:11, “And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”
Now, some say that means you never have to prepare for a Sunday School lesson or to preach a sermon. But this verse indicates when they arrest you, deliver you up, whenever you’re called on the carpet for your faith, relax about what you’re going to say in tough situations. God will give you the right words by His Spirit for the situation.
Possible Future Challenges
The encounter may come at you in a more personal way. Maybe someone will cry out, “Why has God let this happen to me?” “How will God get us out of this mess?” Or questions like, “Are you one of those narrow-minded born-again believers?” “You don’t really believe that Jesus is God, do you?” “Do you also accept all those myths in the Bible?” “What has faith ever done for you?” When you’re challenged like this, you’ll know it’s a time to relax about what to say. Share what you’ve experienced and what you know to be true. Tell what God has done for you. He will give you the words to say.
Other Preparations
How else do we plan for the future?
3.) Study the accounts.
Mark 13:23, “But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.”
Jesus told us everything we need to know about future events. From time to time, review that account. Here are ten important things to remember about the future.
- Jesus is coming back.
- Nobody knows the day or the hour.
- World conditions will vastly degenerate before Christ returns again.
- Christians will be persecuted before the Lord’s return.
- Jesus’ return will catch most people by surprise (Matthew 24:44).
- There’s going to be a great battle against Satan (Revelation 19:19-21).
- Jesus wins the battle.
- There’s a time of judgment for unbelievers.
- The Lord will evaluate the lives of believers.
- The faithful will dwell with God forever.
Review what’s up ahead to produce endurance, hope, and motivation for planning today for the future.
4.) Enjoy the coming scene today.
Mark 13:26, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
You will certainly enjoy the scene when it happens, but you can also find pleasure in it ahead of time. Some of the joy comes from preparing for that Day. Rejoice and be glad that the Lord Jesus will return.
First of all, you’ll truly be free from all sin, with no limitations. And He will finally receive the honor He deserves. Every tongue will confess, and every knee bow before Jesus.
The earth as well as humankind will be free from the original curse and be transformed to harmony and glory (Romans 8:21). All earthquakes and natural disasters vanish. The lamb will lie down with the lion. There will be harmony in nature and creation never experienced since the Garden of Eden. So much to look forward to.
Even More Coming
For instance, no more fear of death. In fact, no fear of any kind. Whether you’re afraid of what others think of you or you fear dying, all fears of various kinds will vanish.
And you’ll see former mysteries clearly. There’s so much now we don’t understand. So many questions you have about why things happen and how come certain stuff existed. You can appreciate now the wonder of the time when Christ returns and all comes to light. You’ll have many “Aha!” moments.
5.) To prepare for the future, recognize the signs.
Mark 13:29, “Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door.”
Even though you have no idea today of the when of Christ’s return, you can see the signs it’s getting closer. That’s why you need to stay up-to-date about what’s happening in the world. Watch and read the news with this perspective in mind. Read the Word and make note of the signs as you see the Day approach.
What signs should we be looking for?
The apostate church, such as leaders and followers with no true commitment to Christ or belief in God as a requirement of faith.
Hatred for the country of Israel worldwide. Cults increasing with false beliefs about who Jesus is. Family breakdowns. Love between generations increasingly strained. More violence among family members. Persecution of true believers. Slander and violence against Christians in a loveless society. Love growing cold.
Stay Awake for the Finale
We don’t know when that will be for sure. Here are some clues to know whether you’re sleeping or awake.
You’re awake if you’re discovering new spiritual challenges, pray often for others’ needs, and volunteer to meet those needs. Your self-imposed standards set you apart from your secular friends and acquaintances. And you can name friends and family you’ve come alongside as they struggle through crisis. Finally, you’ve actually wanted to delay the Lord’s return long enough to accomplish a few more spiritual goals, such as others’ salvation.
You’re spiritually asleep if you’re unaware of any global spiritual needs; your lifestyle isn’t much different than your worldly neighbors; and you hide your spiritual commitment because you consider it’s a private matter. Last, you seldom think about the Lord’s return.
The Future’s Coming
You can’t delay the future, of course, or change it or control it. But you can try to be ready for what’s coming. You do that by getting your spiritual life going again. Pay attention to what God’s doing in the world, as well as all around you and in you. Understand what He has planned for His creation, for humankind, and your present part in it all.
May you plan for your spiritual future by making practical changes and nudging yourself alert to what’s really going on. May you see clearly the signs of Jesus’ possible soon return.
STEPHEN BLY
Retirement Savings Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
Stained Glass Window Image by Darelle from Pixabay
Noise Pollution Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Checklist Image by Hannah Edgman from Pixabay
Heavenly Clouds Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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“Got Future Plans?” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Recorded at Fillmore Bible Church, Fillmore, California, Circa 1982. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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