This parsha discusses the Navi sheker, the false prophet who attempts to lead people astray with his signs and wonders. The desire to know the future is of course great, and this is a test.
Today, as we stand in the time of Moshiach’s arrival, it is tempting to use signs and omens to determine the exact time of his arrival. This is not proper.
The Rambam in his work Yad HaChazaka, Hilchos Melachim, writes that a person should not occupy himself with Midrashim and Aggada relating to the time of Moshiach’s arrival and the end of times. “They should not be considered of central importance because they do not bring one to fear of Heaven nor to love of Heaven.”
Rabbi Elazar Menachem Schach z’l wrote, “There is only one sign [of the Redemption] written in the Rambam and that is Teshuva. That is preferable to any sign. We want Moshiach to come to lighten our burdens, but that’s not what Hashem wants. He wants us to wake up and return to Him.”
Then, Moshiach can come today, as we say in Kabolas Shabbos, “Hayom, im b’kolo tishma’u, Today, if you will heed His voice.”
