Prophecy can be a fascinating topic of discussion. My husband often reads news articles and ponders how they could relate to prophecy. We believe YHVH has led us to prepare our family in certain ways for the days ahead. But you may have noticed that Torah Family Living has a definite lack of anything prophecy related, and with good reason.

The “prophecy game” is a minefield of traps. A simple “what if” suddenly becomes a circled date on the calender. Predictions are made and don’t happen. Predicters try to sidestep false prophet status by using disclaimers like, “If my calculations are correct…”YHVH’s mighty deeds are reduced to charts and timelines.

We sometimes forget that YHVH will do what He pleases when He pleases. He is very patient, and does not require instant gratification as we seem to. His moves involve the whole earth, the stars, the hearts of men. He will not be reduced to catchy graphics and 10 year plans.

I truly hope He acts soon, since the world seems to be falling apart around us. My heartcry is, “Come, Yahshua.” I want to take part in the Second Exodus and return to Israel, to home. But I must resist the temptation to plot out a course and submit it to YHVH. I fear I would end up listening to my own voice, and not to His. I know He is speaking to His people in this generation. He is directing and leading. He is showing us the end from the beginning. We live in exciting times!

But we must ask a very important question.

When He does arrive to lead His people home, will we be ready? Will we have oil in our lamps?

I know what you’re thinking! “I’ve got food stored up for a year! I’m ready!” That’s good, but that’s not what I asked.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

The lamp is Torah. Are we living out Torah faithfully everyday?

• Are we looking for “burdened donkeys” we can alleviate?
• Are we offering sippy cups of water to those who can’t get it for themselves?
• Are we valuing truth and sincerity above all else?
• Are we treating others with kindness, from the animals we care for to the cashier at the grocery store?
• Are we seeking to do things YHVH’s way, even in areas we may not understand, such as niddah laws?
• Are we communing with our Father on the mount, as Moses did?
• Are we teaching our children the priceless value of the Torah?

I don’t know about you, but I’m not feeling very ready. My desire is twofold.

I want Him to return swiftly. But I also want my heart and life to be in a position for me to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

We need to be aware of “the prophecy game.” We need to be watching the signs and seasons. We should not be in a position of ignorance. But our first priority must always be preparation of our hearts. We must learn to trust, to obey, to stand unwavering on the Torah. Then we will be ready for that yet unknown date on the calendar.

“…may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Yahshua with all his saints.”   1Th 3:12-13

“so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Yahshua HaMashiach.”  1Pe 1:7

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!“  2Pe 3:10-12