The Sovereignty of God: Mark 13:28-32
““28) 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. 29) Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 32) But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Mark 13:28-32
Two things stand out in this passage. First, the emphasis is more on who He is than on what He is going to do! This holds true for all of Mark chapter 13. This passage is about the true identity of the Messiah! No one else could pull off these events. He is the Christ!
Second, no one knows the time of these events, but the Father alone. The reason may be because the timing may be a bit fluid.
There are numerous examples in the Old Testament where timing for judgment was changed because certain kings humbled themselves or Israel turned from their sin. Gods ultimate plan was fulfilled but the timing was altered.
That seems to be the tone behind 2 Peter 3:8-9. God’s highest priority is for people to be saved. The big events will happen according to His Word, but the timing is under His Sovereignty.
That is why it is foolish to set dates or try to figure out the exact time for future events. Prophecy tells the sequence of future events, but it does not establish exact times for the return of Christ or for the end of this age. Neither the angels nor the Son knows the exact time. That detail is under the Sovereign will of the Father!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone
““28) 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. 29) Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30) Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31) Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 32) But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Mark 13:28-32
Two things stand out in this passage. First, the emphasis is more on who He is than on what He is going to do! This holds true for all of Mark chapter 13. This passage is about the true identity of the Messiah! No one else could pull off these events. He is the Christ!
Second, no one knows the time of these events, but the Father alone. The reason may be because the timing may be a bit fluid.
There are numerous examples in the Old Testament where timing for judgment was changed because certain kings humbled themselves or Israel turned from their sin. Gods ultimate plan was fulfilled but the timing was altered.
That seems to be the tone behind 2 Peter 3:8-9. God’s highest priority is for people to be saved. The big events will happen according to His Word, but the timing is under His Sovereignty.
That is why it is foolish to set dates or try to figure out the exact time for future events. Prophecy tells the sequence of future events, but it does not establish exact times for the return of Christ or for the end of this age. Neither the angels nor the Son knows the exact time. That detail is under the Sovereign will of the Father!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone
