There is a wealth of prophecies about the great things God has prepared for the years ahead of us. But many Christians don't seem to be interested. It seems so far away to them, so utopian, so unrealistic, when they look at the current situation.

There are two widespread reactions to prophetic speech. Some take the position of saying that nothing would happen anyway, that there's nothing to see, that time just keeps passing more and more. Because it still hasn't become visible, even though there would have been time, the prophetic speech can't have been genuine.

The second position pushes the prophecy into the distant future. It assumes that all of this only applies at some later point, that it isn't relevant to us here and now, doesn't concern us, and actually has nothing to do with us.

The prophet Ezekiel already experienced exactly that as a reaction to his prophetic speaking to the people of Israel during the Babylonian captivity. But then God spoke to him about exactly these two reactions of his people…

And the word of the LORD came to me:
Son of man, what is this proverb you have about the land of Israel, that you say: "The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing"?
Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: I will put an end to this proverb, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel. But say to them, The days are near, and the fulfillment of every vision. For there shall be no more any false vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the LORD; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no more be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 12:21-25 (Luther)

And the word of the LORD came to me:
Son of man, behold, the house of Israel says: "The vision that he sees is for many days from now, and he prophesies of times far off."
Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: None of my words will be delayed any longer, but the word that I speak will be performed, declares the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 12:26-28 (Luther)