Times and Seasons
We live in uncertain times. Each person reacts differently. Some are too busy having fun to worry about it, while others are so worried that they try to have fun as a way to escape their fears. Some are so anxious they can't sleep, and others are so scared that they numb themselves with drugs. Many rely on governments to get their act together and fix the issues.
The United Nations has a Scripture engraved on a wall:
They shall beat their swords into plowshares... nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
These words are from Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3, both of which speak of the time, still in the future, when Jesus will return and set up His kingdom. God’s word makes it clear that world peace will not happen until that time. However, some are supremely confident that humanity will solve its problems.
God has many things to say about the future. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, God’s words are very comforting. For those who do not believe, fear is the appropriate response.
The Thessalonians were concerned about what was happening in their day, so Paul addressed their concerns, saying:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 (NKJV) 1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
“Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.”
I read that and say, “But you are going to do it anyway!”
It’s like when we say, “No offense, but…” Such a saying is a signal that something offensive is about to happen.
However, when Paul says, “You have no need that I should write you concerning the times and the seasons,” he indicates that he plans to discuss something else. The topic he will discuss relates to the times and seasons, but it is not about the times and seasons themselves. The real subject is “Be READY!”
Look again at this passage: “Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.” What are these “times and seasons” he is referring to?
This question is answered in the following sentence when he says, “You yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”
He is talking about the coming “Day of the Lord.”
What does he mean when he says we know perfectly? Do we even know what he means by “Day of the Lord?”
On a personal level, we all know what the Day of the Lord is. We know we will die, but we don't know exactly when. It will come like a thief in the night—unexpected and sudden. Some of us die from diseases that take time, so we are aware that our time is limited, but we don't see the exact moment of our death. However, when we die, we will have our personal “Day of the Lord.” It's even a common saying, “He is going to meet his Maker.”
Going to meet our Maker carries the idea of judgment. Hebrews 10:26-27 tells us:
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NKJV) 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
We all instinctively know that we will be judged when we meet our Maker. Just as we each have our personal “Day of the Lord,” the world also will have its “Day of the Lord.” The Bible says a lot about this coming Day, and we should not be ignorant of what it says. Be ready!
Paul says they do not need him to write about times and seasons related to this “Day of the Lord.” The words “times and seasons” need a bit of clarification, so let me explain what Paul is talking about. When I looked up the Greek words Paul used, the meaning became a little clearer.
The Greek word translated “times” is χρόνων (chronōn). The meaning of this word is “a space of time or interval.” It might be a short time — just a few minutes — or a long time — just a few centuries. When we refer to “the age of the dinosaurs,” we mean the interval of time that dinosaurs lived on the Earth. We all intuitively know that we are living in the final days of the earth, but no one knows the day. We call this the end times or the last days. Be ready!
Next, we will look at the Greek word καιρῶν (kairōn), which is translated “seasons.” This word means “a set or proper time, an occasion.” When we want to meet with someone, we set a time, such as Tuesday at 8:00am. There is a day set when Jesus will return. God has set the hour of His return, and only He knows when it is. Be ready!
When asked by His disciples when He would set up His kingdom, Jesus said:
Acts 1:7 (NKJV) And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”
Thus, the time will come like a thief in the night. It will be unexpected and sudden. Be ready!
We all know this instinctively. We can figure it out on our own. However, many people ignore the warning signs and their own inner person that keeps saying, “You know this is all going to end soon.” They go on about their business. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 tells us:
1 Thessalonians 5:3 (NKJV) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
People tell themselves, “We are safe and still have time.” And, they ignore that their own lives can end at any time, and they ignore that the God who made this earth may return at any time. Be ready!
However, Paul tells us:
1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NKJV) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
All this “Be ready” talk may have you wondering how to “Be ready.” Preparing is the simplest things in the world! When Jesus was explaining how to enter the kingdom of God, He said:
John 3:16 (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
If we believe in Jesus, we have nothing to fear. On the contrary, His coming is the great hope of us believers. It means that we will be with Him forever! He will wipe away every tear, take away all our sorrows, and give us perfect health. And, these are just the beginning of endless blessings!
If you are afraid, you can find comfort in Jesus Christ. He said that whoever calls on His name will be saved, and He means it. If you simply call on His name, you will be saved.
Call on Him today. Be ready!
