End Times prognosticator Hal Lindsey is fond of saying when we read the bible, particularly Revelation, we oughta do it with the scriptures in one hand and a newspaper in the other. Because the events of his End Times timeline are happening. Right this instant.
Even though every five years or so, he has to write another End Times book to update all the predictions of his previous End Times book. For some reason they keep not turning into the harbingers of the End he insists they are.
Y’see, what Lindsey does, and what many other End Times fixated Christians do, is what they call “discerning the news.” What they’re doing, they claim, is what Jesus tells us to: They’re looking at the signs of the day. Or as the
Matthew 16.1-4 KWL - 1 Approaching Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus for a heavenly sign to show them.
- 2 In reply Jesus told them, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It’s red; clear sky.’
- 3 And in the morning, ‘Storms today, for the sky is red and gloomy.’
- So you know to interpret the face of the sky—and can’t interpret the signs of the day?”
Jesus wasn’t telling these religious folks to study current events and so they could find fulfilled prophecy in them. He was pointing out how greatly they missed the obvious. They could interpret the weather, which is right there, above their heads; but when Jesus was likewise right in front of them, they wanted signs. Somehow they’d gone blind.
Likewise with End Times events. When they happen, they’re as obvious as a pimple on your nose. They don’t require you, or anyone, to go digging through news websites, looking for stories which sorta kinda resemble a comment in Isaiah or Psalms or Nahum. They don’t require any special powers of
These
And yet. Because of these nuts, I know too many Christians who think “discerning the news” is an entirely legitimate practice. They scour the news for bible-like articles, then
Giphy
If you want a scripture it fulfills, okay: Here ya go.
Mark 13.5-8 KWL - 5 Jesus began to tell them, “Watch out, lest someone trick you.
- 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m him!’ They’ll trick many.
- 7 Don’t freak out when you overhear conflicts, and hearsay about conflicts.
- These things happen, but it’s not the End yet.
- 8 People will rise against people; kingdoms against kingdoms.
- Earthquakes will happen in other lands. Recessions will happen.
- They’re early labor pains.”