Have you ever picked up a newspaper to read the headlines, only to realise that the headline and accompanying story was of something that was still future? Probably not. Most of what we read, and see and hear, is reporting of events that have already happened. Indeed, our lives, our perceptions, and even our whole being are geared to understand those things which have already taken place, and to discard input regarding things to come. The things of the future are considered to be hidden from our senses.

The Bible, however, has much to say about things to come. In fact, most of the Bible speaks of things that were considered future events when written, as well as things that are considered future events now in the twentieth century. We must remember that Yahuweh is the author of the Bible, and as such has “in-breathed” the words that mortal men have written on the manuscripts down through the passage of time. Yahuweh has stated that He knows the end, even from the beginning, and that He will reveal those future events to mankind.

This brings us to the subject of what is known as “Bible Prophecy.” Many have heard a statement, a Bible verse quoted here or there, or even a whole system of events, that are purported to be from the Bible, and which describe things that are to come. One Bible teacher says this thing will happen, one says that, and another says still another thing, all of them at odds with each other about what the Bible states of future events. Has Yahuweh left it to men to figure it out for themselves? Has Yahuweh given us Thirty-one Flavors of His Word, so that we might pick and choose what suits our fancy at the moment? Or, has it all happened already, has all Bible Prophecy been fulfilled already, with nothing left that is considered future? We shall see, and learn in this writing, how we might discern for ourselves what is true concerning things to come.

What is Understanding?

Perhaps the most misunderstood subject in all the Bible is the subject of future events. There is a logical reason for this misunderstanding. Yahuweh has revealed in the Scriptures that first, He holds men’s eyes closed, and opens them. Second, Yahuweh has said that certain men would be given understanding concerning the times, and that others would not. This understanding of the times begins first with the understanding of the Scriptures. We will start with the following passage:

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures…” (Luke 24:45)

Here we see that it is Yahushua Himself that must first open our understanding, in order that we may begin to understand the Scriptures. No seminary, no Bible School, no instruction can ever give understanding of the Scriptures. We may gain a head knowledge of what the Bible says, but we gain no understanding, until Yahushua ‘opens’ our understanding.

There are abundant Scripture verses that tell us where this understanding of the Scriptures comes from, and also the causes for lack of spiritual understanding. First, let us list a few of many Scripture verses, so that we may observe where understanding comes from:

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (Romans 3:11)

In the above passage, we see that lack of understanding is due to not seeking Yahuweh. From this we see that the opposite holds true, that understanding comes by seeking Yahuweh.

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. (Psalms 53:2)

We see again that understanding comes as a result of seeking Yahuweh.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Ps 111:10)

In the above passage, we see another required condition, that understanding is gained by those that are DO-ers of Yahuweh’s commandments.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. (Ps 119:34)

Here we see that understanding is “given” by Yahuweh. We then see that the result of understanding is the keeping of Yahuweh’s Law [Torah], Father’s ‘House Rules’ by which His children are to live.

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (Ps 119:73)

In the above passage, we see again that understanding is given by Yahuweh, for the purpose of learning His Commandments.

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. (Ps 119:99)

Here we see that understanding comes from meditating on Yahuweh’s testimonies, His written Word in the Scriptures.

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (Ps 119:100)

In the above passage, we see that understanding is given because of keeping Yahuweh’s precepts — His Word.

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. (Ps 119:104)

Here we see that it is through Yahuweh’s precepts that understanding is gained, as well as discernment of, and hatred for, all that is false.

I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. (Ps 119:125)

In the above passage, we see that understanding is given, in order for Yahuweh’s testimonies to be known.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Ps 119:130)

Here we see that light is a prophetic word for understanding, which comes from Yahuweh’s Words entering our mind and heart.

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Prov 2:6)

In the above passage, we see that wisdom is given, along with and knowledge and understanding, and these come from Yahuweh’s mouth — from the words He has spoken.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Prov 3:5)

In the above passage, we see that our own understanding is to be avoided, and we are not to lean on it, nor depend on it.

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. (Prov 15:21)

Here we see that whoever has understanding walks uprightly.

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! (Prov 16:16)

In the above passage, we see that understanding is most valuable, and is of the highest priority.

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. (Prov 28:5)

Here we see that understanding of judgment is not had by those that Yahuweh considers evil.

And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: (Mark 7:14)

In the above passage, we see that understanding comes from hearkening unto Yahushua — by diligently hearing [and obeying] Yahushua’s Words!

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2Tim 2:7)

We see that understanding is given by the Lord when we carefully consider what the Apostle Paul says. This is especially true of the following passages spoken by Paul:

“…For I delight in the law of God after the inward man…” (Rom 7:22)

“…Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast…” (1Co 5:7b-8a)

“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” (Acts 18:4)

“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, (you) do….” (Php 4:9)

From the foregoing verses, we see that understanding is given by Yahuweh, as we meditate in His Word, and as we hearken diligently, and as we obey what He has said. Understanding is also given to those who consider carefully what the Apostle Paul did, and what he said. We have also seen thus far, that the one who has understanding is a “DO-er” of the commandments of Yahuweh; the one Yahuweh considers “evil” does not keep the Commandments of Yahuweh, and therefore that one has no understanding of judgment. Let us now see another aspect of understanding.

Understanding the Times

Let us now turn our attention to one particular aspect of understanding, related to “things to come” — of understanding the times. In the history of Israel, where Scripture speaks of the whole of Yahuweh’s people, there was a certain group that had understanding of the times:

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. (1Chronicles 12:32)

Notice in the above passage, that this understanding of the times was not for the purpose of selling Bible Prophecy books and tapes, or for pleading for gifts, tithes and offerings. The purpose of this “understanding of the times” was so that they would know what Israel ought to do! And notice this one thing. With two hundred heads (leaders) of them, they were able to arrive at an agreement as to what Israel ought to do!

As a result of this agreement, all their brethren recognised this, and were at their commandment. Their brothers listened to what they said, and were obedient! Beloved, is this where the greater Body of Messiah is today? Are all the leaders in harmony about the times, and what the greater Body of Believers should do?

If all our congregational leaders are hearing from Yahuweh regarding the times we are in today, and regarding what the people of Yahuweh should do, why aren’t they all in agreement, as the sons of Issachar? Again, the Word of Yahuweh tells us why. The Apostle Paul has told us that in our day, even as then, men will be:

“…Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful…” (Romans 1:31)

A great many spiritual Leaders of today, and their followers, are not in agreement, simply because they are without understanding — they are not being “DO-ers” of Yahuweh’s word — they are “covenant breakers.”

But surely, with so many fine Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible Prophecy Teachers, as well as Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists, surely they have understanding of the Scriptures! Beloved of Yahuweh, why is there disagreement among them? Why don’t they see eye to eye? Again, the Word of Yahuweh [Yahushua] tells us why:

Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (Isaiah 56:11)

Do you see what Yahuweh says is their problem, their motive? “Oh, but our pastor is not among these evil men. He is a very loving man.” Yes, perhaps he is an isolated case. The majority, however, are in great darkness.

Remember, that whatever your leaders are, you will become, as you follow them. If he falls into a ditch, so will you (Matt 15:14; Luke 6:39). If you are serious about your future, it behooves you to know whom you are following. As we look further, we will see more of what Yahuweh has to say about understanding.

We must narrow our focus even more, from that of understanding of the times, to understanding of its companions — wisdom, the Fear of Yahuweh, and Judgment. We will first see the prophet Jeremiah, as he identifies the sins of Yahuweh’s people for them. Perhaps if they could understand their sins, they might repent, thus restoring their fellowship with Yahuweh.

In the verses that follow, let us discern any connection between these ideas of wisdom, understanding, times, judgment, and the keeping of Yahuweh’s Word:

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them? (Jeremiah 8:7-9)

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment. (Ecclesiastes 8:5)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalms 111:10)

We see from the above verses that the various birds’ knowledge of the times is contrasted with Israel’s knowing of judgment. In spite of their claim that they had the written Word of Yahuweh, and claimed to be wise, Israel did not know her “appointed times” just as the stork knows her appointed times.

This issue of appointed times is especially relevant today. Multitudes of Born-Again Believers today do not keep Yahuweh’s Appointed Times [‘moedim’]. Few today know what they are, as most remain tangled in traditions and doctrines of men originating in decrees of men issued from Rome.

In the above passage, we also see that wisdom in a man’s heart enables him to discern both time and judgment, and is related to the keeping of the commandments. Last, we see that the fear of the Lord and wisdom, are associated with understanding and the doing of Yahuweh’s commandments.

What is the connection here? Does the Lord show us in Scripture how this wisdom, or understanding of the times, is related to the doing of Yahuweh’s commandments? Let us look at a verse in the book of Esther:

“Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment…” (Esther 1:13)

In the above passage, we see a view of one of the personifications of Yahushua — the King. Notice that the king ‘said’ to the wise men, that knew the times. The wise men knew, or understood the times — because the King spoke to them. Beloved, this is how men know the times today: The King speaks to them. There is no other way for a man to know the truth of the times — of things to come — unless the King speaks to him!

But notice that the King did not speak to just anyone. It was the King’s manner to speak to “all that knew law and judgment.” This word ‘knew’ means practice or experience of ‘doing’ of law and judgment, of keeping the Law [Torah] and judgments of Yahuweh. We see then in this verse that the ‘doing’ of law and judgment resulted in the King speaking to them, and that is where they acquired their understanding of the times!

The Purpose of Understanding: to Know, and to Love

Let us now look at the last two aspects of understanding, the aspects of Yahuweh’s purpose, and the aspect of our motives. We see in the following verse Yahuweh’s purpose for giving us understanding:

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true. (1John 5:20)

We see here the main purpose that Yahuweh gives us understanding — that we may know Him. However, we must have the same purpose and motive — the desire to know Yahushua, and the Father — if we are to receive that understanding. Our purpose must be that of Yahushua:

“…because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30b)

Yahushua’s purpose was to seek the Father’s will in His life. This should likewise be our purpose. We should note carefully that our motives are revealed in the last purpose that Yahuweh has for giving us understanding — the purpose of love:

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1Corinthians 13:2)

Here, the word charity, or love, is the Greek word agàpe, which denotes love that originates in the heart of Yahuweh. We may learn much of this subject of agàpe love from the Apostle John, who loved Yahushua, and from the words of Yahushua Himself:

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:10)

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1John 5:2)

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1John 5:3)

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (2John 1:6)

The verses listed above show, from Yahuweh’s perspective, and from His definition, what agàpe love is. All of the verses above reveal which ‘measuring stick’ Yahuweh uses to measure our love for Him, and our love for the brethren.

Today there are multitudes of Born-Again Believers who reject Yahushua’s measuring-stick, who are not keeping Yahushua’s commandments, not understanding who Yahushua really is [“I never knew you…”]. Most Believers today have been taught that the majority of Commandments spoken by Yahushua [‘the Law’] have been ‘nullified’ and are not for Believers today, and few search the Scriptures for themselves, to see whether this is false teaching. As a result, many Believers continue to rebel against the Bridegroom, and continue to be disobedient, without any knowledge or understanding of their disobedience.

Let’s look more closely at this test.

Knowing Him: The Test

The issue of love is closely related to the issue of knowing Yahushua. Notice the similarity of Yahuweh’s measure of our love for Him, in the above verses, to Yahuweh’s measure of our knowing Him, in the following:

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (1John 2:3)

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1John 2:4)

So, we see from the above that in order to love Yahuweh, and to know Him, one must choose to keep Yahuweh’s Commandments. We have seen also that the giving of understanding is for the purpose of knowing Yahuweh. We have seen that it is when Yahuweh speaks to wise men, who know, or do, law and judgment, that they know the times.

However, we have not yet reached any conclusions concerning those that claim understanding of the times, but have none. The answer may lie in the understanding of what Yahushua tells us about iniquity:

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:23)

In the above verse, Yahushua is telling us of a time in which those professing to know Him will be told not only that Yahushua never knew them, but the reason He never knew them — because they were workers of iniquity. In this verse, the word for iniquity is the Greek word anomia, which means a state or condition of being without law, or of transgression of the Law of Yahuweh. Yahuweh also has said this about that state of lawlessness:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1John 3:4)

Beloved, did you notice? There are people that think that they know Yahushua, but they do not, because they disobey the Law [Torah]. Instead they will be told they are workers of iniquity, that they are among those that ‘transgress the Law’ of Yahuweh. According to the earlier verses we read, it is the measure of the Transgression of the Law of Yahuweh — the measure of keeping His Commandments — that men will be judged as to whether they love Yahuweh, or know Him, and whether He knows them.

To confirm what we have seen, notice the following pair of passages:

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments…” (1John 5:3a)

But if any man love God, the same is known of [by] him. (1Corinthians 8:3)

In the above passages, we see that love is the keeping [obeying] of His commandments. We then see that He knows them who love Him!

Why is there little understanding of these things today? The Scriptures tell us!

Love Grown Cold: The Test

There is a day coming, we are told, and is now here, when we shall see iniquity, the transgression of the Law of Yahuweh — the failure to keep Yahuweh’s Commandments, which is a lack of agàpe love for Yahuweh, and for the brethren:

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:12)

Brothers and Sisters in Messiah, have you seen or experienced this truth? Is this verse coming true now? Do you see the connection between the ‘growing cold’ of love — which is the ‘keeping of the Commandments’ — along with the abundance of iniquity, which is the forsaking of the Law of Yahuweh, and the Commandments of Yahuweh?

Beloved, are there any spiritual Leaders among us, who are perhaps very gracious and loving men of Yahuweh, but yet do not keep Yahuweh’s Commandments?

Are there any spiritual Leaders among us, who blindly follow the intricate, man-made theologies of why Born-Again Believers are not supposed to keep Yahuweh’s Commandments today?

Are there any spiritual Leaders among us, who have told you that the Ten Commandments are not among the Commandments spoken by Yahushua, or that they are not for us to obey?

The Scriptures warn us of Leaders who do these things:

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (Matthew 23:28)

There is that word iniquity again, the Greek word anomia, that tells the real truth of our actions, and of our love for Yahuweh and for the Brethren.

When Yahuweh begins to bring to completion His plan and His judgments, there will be a widespread panic among the people of Messiah — a panic to forsake the multitudes of professional pastors, prophets and priests, those full of iniquity and hypocrisy, that have been leading Yahuweh’s people astray. The panic will be an attempt to find those who are true Men of Understanding. For it will be said of that time, which is almost upon us, that:

“…they that understand among the people shall instruct many…” (Daniel 11:33a)

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:10)

Beloved, you have now begun to have an understanding, a discerning, of things to come. You have made the first step, and have begun to be among the Men of Understanding.

To be among those having understanding, you must continue seeking, and searching for Yahushua, and His Word.

In order to grow in understanding, you must become a “DO-er” of Father’s Words, which were spoken by the Word of Yahuweh, who is none other than Yahushua Messiah.

The Men of Understanding will be the harbinger of things to come. These are they who, while obeying the Commandments of the King, are hearing the voice of the King speaking to them — revealing to them the secrets of the Kingdom — and of things to come.