How would you react if someone were to tell you: "The day of Jesus' return is set. It will take place at midnight on the Feast of Trumpets in the year 2020!" My mother's sense of humor might influence my reaction: "Congratulations! You are better informed than Jesus!"

Jesus told His disciples that He did not know the exact date of His return: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36; NIV).

God the Father has apparently reserved the determination of the date of Jesus' return to Himself. Christ will return "with a loud command" when His father determines that the time has come (1 Thessalonians 4:16; NIV).

Does that mean that we cannot know that Jesus' return lies just ahead? Why else would Jesus have given us the various signs of events that will precede His return? "When you see all these things, know that it is near – at the doors!" (Matthew 24:33).

In my more than 40 years as a member of God's church I have often heard the speculation that Christ might return on the Feast of Trumpets. The symbolism of this Feast day is certainly appropriate! We also have different time periods mentioned in Daniel 12, causing some to create time-flow charts in their desire to follow future world events and know the exact date of Christ's return.

Why are we given certain information in the Bible about the events and conditions leading up the return of Christ? Is it so we can determine the exact date of His return?

No, that's not the reason. Instead, as Jesus' parable of the ten virgins shows us, we are given that information an an incentive to maintain a close relationship with God and be spiritually prepared, no matter when Christ returns: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:13).

Let's not be surprised by the return of Christ in the sense that we neglect our spiritual development. It is okay, however, to be surprised by the exact date on which that great event will take place. After all, in that regard we are in great company with the righteous angels and Jesus Himself!

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!