Over the years, I’ve encountered a few Bible teachers who seem to know all the details of Jesus’ second coming—the how, the when, and the where—often with an overconfidence that makes me uncomfortable. Like the Bible teacher I listened to on the radio as a young believer. I loved his teaching and couldn’t wait for his 8 o’clock show to air.

Decades later, he led a movement that captured everyone’s attention, predicting the day of Jesus’ second coming and even guaranteeing it. Disappointment must have mushroomed when those who sold all their possessions awaited a promised appearing act that just didn’t happen.

The lesson? Be more tentative, a smidgeon iffy, penciling in personal biblical speculation and guesstimates. Don’t be cocksure about something that’s in God’s view and not in ours–“He (Jesus) said to them (the Apostles), ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority'” (Acts 1: 7).

Now, don’t get me wrong. When it comes to trusting Jesus to save us, forgive our sins, and stand with us no matter what, I can check the box that says ‘all of the above’ for those and other core beliefs of our Christian faith. But that’s not what I’m talking about.

In 1 Samuel 14, we encounter King Saul’s son Jonathan wanting to scope out the enemy Philistine army’s position and strength. He takes his assistant with him and tells him this–‘It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few’ (1 Sam. 14: 6).

‘It may be…’ Jonathan doesn’t know what God will do. He’s uncertain about the outcome. But he never wavers, knowing that God can defeat the enemy with only a few soldiers or many. ‘It may be…’

Moving on to 1 Samuel 24, David and some men discover King Saul in a cave. Fast asleep, Saul becomes a juicy target. David’s archenemy can now be eliminated. Here’s how David’s men summarize this situation–“Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you'” (1Sam. 24: 4).

An answer to prayer? God’s will, for sure? What’s David’s take on this golden opportunity? Will he do away with the Lord’s anointed, King Saul? Seize this moment? Listen–‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed’ (v.6).

Hmm. That gives me pause. We must be careful about concluding some specifics of God’s will. Of course, make plans. Look ahead. Be responsible. Don’t be lazy and forget to do your homework. Burn the midnight oil. Seize the day.

But use that Dixon Ticonderoga #2 you-know-what, knowing that God’s revealed will is found in your Bible. He tells us everything that we need to know. So be a tad tentative with specifics that He hasn’t told us about. Pencil them in. Know what you know and let the rest be in God’s hands. I’m an amateur with this as much as the next. But I’m trying. Who said, ‘very’!?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the Bible, your guide for my life. Amen.