Let's start with the words of JC Ryle (19th century English bishop)
Let us beware of the extremes. On one hand, the lazy indifference which turns away from all prophetical Scripture on account of its difficulties. On the other hand, of the dogmatic and arrogant spirit which makes men forget that they are students, speaking confidently as if they were prophets themselves. May we read prophetical Scripture with a heartfelt conviction that the study carries with it a blessing, and that more light may be expected on it every year.
The text in question was Luke 21 starting in verse 5 and working its way through verse 38. The disciples are applauding how beautiful the temple was - huge stones (Josephus records they were 60+ feet in length). Jesus tells them it'll all be torn down. They ask him "Teacher, when is this going to happen? What clue will we get that it’s about to take place?" (v7, MSG)
You can watch the full live feed here (scroll to min 30 for the start of the sermon).
Jesus goes into a bunch of descriptors of how Christians are to be throughout the trials that will come (and the trials will be devastatingly difficult), but Jesus doesn't - not here, or anywhere else - tell them specifically when it will take place. No date, year, etc.
Reading Ryle's commentary (a great pickup for anyone wanting to study the scriptures deeper - for the Luke series I'm using Volume 1 and Volume 2) first convicted me and then confirmed what I (and likely you) see all throughout the church. I shortened his conviction to two words - apathy or arrogance.
Apathy - what I was convicted with - when it comes to eschatological passages. There's so much study, research, differing convictions and opinions that it's tempting to just throw up my hands. "I don't know" (that's ignorance) "and I don't care" (that's apathy). Submitting ourselves to the whole counsel of scripture is part and parcel of being a Christian. All of it is 'God-breathed' - every word and verse (even the confusing parts) are "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
Arrogance - the other end, one I think I don't struggle with as much. The 'dogmatic spirit' (quoting Ryle again) which causes us to think we've figured it out, we know God's mind perfectly, and everyone else who doesn't align with our belief and conviction are dull, dim-witted, and it is our job to make sure they know what we know and agree with what we believe.
My invitation, I think Jesus's invitation, is that we wouldn't be apathetic or arrogant, but continue to be a disciple. Following Jesus, staying really close to Him and paying attention to each and every word (even the words He spoke through the law and the prophets; the psalms and the letters; heaven forbid, even through John in the book of Revelation.
As usual, another reminder came to me a day or two after preaching the aforementioned text. Simply put - we're not to be, nor can we be, experts in every area of theology. No one has the market cornered on every element of being Christian - eschatology, discipleship, spiritual gifts, ecclesiology (church)... the list goes on and on. But what God reminded me, and what I think He wants to communicate to you, is that there likely is an area of theology that you're interested, curious, or even passionate about. From creationism to the family, the old covenant vs. new covenant, the historical context or the present day application - there's likely (rather, surely) some area that God has, through the Holy Spirit, provoked you, prompted you, made your mind and heart draw to that He wants to mold and fashion you to communicate that, to teach others humbly and graciously, as a perpetual disciple, so that the church can become healthier and healthier - 'thoroughly equipped for every good work'.
What's the area you're prone to apathy? Falling into arrogance? What is the thing that you can't get out of your head, or you continually see when you read the Scriptures? Perhaps God is wanting to work in you and through you as we get to partner with Him in bringing Life to more and more people.
