Bible prophecy is not an option. In the N.T. book of Acts we read:

At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:15-16 New American Standard Bible). 

Jesus said the same thing. In fact, in the N.T. we read that many things that Jesus did, He did in order to fulfill the O.T. prophecies.

In the O.T. we find out why. In the book of Jeremiah God says:

The word of the Lord came to me saying, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" And I said, "I see a rod of an almond tree." Then the Lord said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it" (Jeremiah 1: 11-12).

You see, nothing has changed. God is still watching over His word to perform it. And, that tells me Bible prophecy is not an option.

In Jeremiah's day a rod was used for discipline. God was telling Jeremiah that He was about to discipline His people Israel. Naturally, the message that God was giving Jeremiah wouldn't be popular. Nevertheless, it was Jeremiah's job as a prophet to tell exactly what he saw.

I don't consider myself a prophet. But, I still see what's coming. And, Jesus tells us, in the time of the end, to be aware of the false teachers and prophets. In O.T. times, the false prophets were the ones who were telling God's people not to worry -- everything will be OK. God's real prophets, however, would usually say the opposite. Why would it be different now?

Jesus also indicates where to watch. He says that we are to be especially alert for those who bring a different teaching about His return. Jesus said:

So if they say to you, "Behold, He is in the wilderness," do not go out, or, "Behold, He is in the inner rooms," do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24: 26-27). 

Most modern prophecy teachers tells us Jesus' words are only for Israel. That alone, of course, doesn't make a false teacher. But, we must admit, their teaching does make the end-time picture a whole lot brighter for us. The teaching also fits our American evangelical world better politically, economically, and in popularity. But, here's the rub: By now we should all see what's really coming. And, what the Scripture actually says is what will be fulfilled.

Prophecy is not an option.