But you Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. – Daniel 12:4
Many voices throughout history reference “the end of time,” an era when the story of humanity comes to a climactic stop. People through the ages have watched political events and cosmic phenomena to determine how close that time might be. The disciples of Jesus were no different. In Matthew 24, they were pointing out the magnificent temple buildings when Jesus surprisingly responded, “There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). He proceeded to use that moment to teach about what the God of all Creation says about the end of time.
A defining factor of “end times” will be great spiritual deception. “False Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Jesus did not tell His followers to obsess over charts and dates but warned them regarding their faith, lest THEY be deceived.
God gave some prophets, like Daniel, specific details but He did not share that information with everyone. Instead, you are instructed to shore up your faith, searching the scriptures and confirming you are grounded in the full gospel of Jesus Christ. The last days extend until Christ returns and, until that time, it is your great calling and opportunity in history to cultivate the faith God has given you and share it.
Pray for the leaders of American churches to be faithful to God’s whole Word and plan for the salvation of humanity. Ask that many will come to know Jesus Christ as Savior in THIS season of time.
Today’s Verse: Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 2:18-23
18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
