And yet folks still can’t recognize*America in Bible prophecy.)
When I get to heaven, will it get me a softer pew?
What is the essence of every prophecy? What is it’s purpose?
Why does it remind me of Gnosticism, “secret” knowledge that takes me no where?
Because to those who aren't paying attention, everything remains a mystery. How to get from point a to point b, follow the directions.
and actually distracts me from what is important.
Paying attention to detail is very important. It means to *observe*, take heed, notice, watch. God's really big on *observance*. It's the simple meaning, really.
Kind of tips Him off who is drawn to Him, just as two people in love are totally into each other, can't get enough of each other, and can't take their eyes off of each other. No little detail about the other is too small, and they want to care for and attend to each other. Nobody has to nag them to do it either.
What is the essence of every prophecy? What is it’s purpose?
For one thing, it tells people that everything is orchestrated, and as much as they desire to know God and learn His ways, the more He'll keep on revealing Himself. People will then learn and know how much love, care and concern He has for mankind. He wants to love and be loved..
Of course, if He's only worth remaining a stranger or a casual acquaintance... no one would realize what an awesome sense of humor He has. :)
(And the more absurd the pun the better, because He exalts the low and abases the high. The last will be put first, and the first will be made last. The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and so on.)