A few years ago, I read a short but excellent study of the Book of Daniel, greatly aided by the late pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and his commentary: "Daniel: An Expositional Commentary" Daniel is such an interesting book, with a few passages that are just plain strange.
Have you noticed recent headlines?
- OIL PRICES RISE 12% IN A DAY
- Clashes escalate in Gaza and Israel...
- Federal, state, and local debt exceeds the size of the entire economy...
- Deadly quake rocks Turkey...
- Witnesses report bodies in streets (Ukraine)...
- Colossal volcano eruption sends ash plume 3 miles high in the Philippines
Anytime you read a book of the Bible that contains apocalyptic visions, you become more sensitive to the current movements of nations and events. I experienced this a lot during my long time study of the Book of Revelation, which caused me to see the books of Daniel, Jeremiah, many Old Testament passages, and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) as key companions in interpretation and application.
A quick warning, however, is to avoid the temptation to 'tea-leaf' the passages and apply them exactly to what is happening in the world of current events. A better approach is to cultivate the enduring principles and apply them regardless of how things shake out literally. Any reading of the above passages tells a very clear message.
Here is that clear message: God exists, He is in control, conflict is evidence of sin and rebellion, there will be ebbs and flows of war and persecution, there will even be periods where it looks like God has lost the day, but there will be a day when time will be ended. It could be VERY soon. Are we prepared to meet the King? Are we an enemy because of independent rebellion or an adopted son? Have we spent a selfish life ignoring and not thanking the Creator, or do we acknowledge His authority and live lives of gratitude? Do we expect to stand before Him touting our own righteousness, or do we throw ourselves on the mercy of God by clinging to His Son's sacrifice as our only hope of forgiveness? Are we in love with the city of man, or do we seek the kingdom of God? Will we incur God's wrath, or will we hear the tender sound of a Father's love?
Practical Applications:
Get Ready Now: Regardless of your interpretation, you have to get ready now. The signs are all in place (they have been since the ascension of our Lord) and time is ticking. You can't wait for a warning signal. Your time is now. Simply bend your knee, ask forgiveness, set your heart to follow Him, and ask Jesus for His help. Tell Him He is your only hope. Some will meet judgment day today simply because their individual life is coming to an end.
Persevere Through Hard Times: Living for Christ will likely get harder as time ticks by. Whatever your circumstance—physically, socially, economically—find a support system to persevere NO MATTER WHAT. I am so thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to follow Christ and enjoy the blessings of liberty and relative peace and prosperity, but it is not a guarantee. We need to be of the mindset that if the bottom fell out tomorrow, we would still follow our King in confidence and joy. Think of it this way: if it got HARD quickly, rejoice—the end is that much closer, and the end is sweet!
Seek Wisdom: Search the Scriptures and pray so that we will be wise enough to follow our Shepherd's voice in times of confusion.
Remain Steadfast: Be steadfast and confident. People who know their God never hand-wring or whine or collapse in despair. We walk on through in joyful peace!
Want to read some of these passages? (Daniel 11:36-12:4, Matthew 24, Revelation 20 and 21) I firmly believe that many of these prophetic verses speak of future events (not everyone will agree with this). Part of the confusion is that some events recapitulate in an ever-growing circle as types and shadows of the final reality. Be careful about buying into some of the more modern preaching on prophecy—I don't believe ANYONE has it exactly right (especially me). But here are things to read and consider. In all of this, don't get freaked out or afraid—there are beautiful promises to cling to. Let's continue to worship, sing, live, and hope.
The Current Tensions in Israel and Gaza
Recent developments in Israel and Gaza and now Iran have heightened tensions and violence in the region, reminding us once again of the fragile state of peace in the Middle East. The renewed conflict, marked by rocket attacks, airstrikes, and a rising death toll, brings to mind the ongoing struggle for stability and the deep-rooted historical, political, and religious complexities.
As we witness these events unfold, we are reminded of the words in Daniel and the broader biblical narrative that speaks to the tumultuous nature of our world. The current situation underscores the need for prayer, wisdom, and steadfast faith. It is a call to remember that in the midst of chaos and conflict, God remains sovereign, and our hope is ultimately in Him.
Practical Applications:
Pray for Peace: Pray earnestly for peace in Israel, Gaza, and the entire Middle East. Pray for the leaders, for those suffering, and for a resolution that honors justice and promotes lasting peace.
Support the Persecuted: Be aware of and support those who are persecuted for their faith. The current conflicts often exacerbate the persecution of religious minorities. Stand with them in prayer and support.
Be Informed and Compassionate: Stay informed about the global situation and approach it with a compassionate heart. Let the reality of these conflicts drive us to deeper empathy and action in our communities and beyond.
In these uncertain times, let us hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He is in control and that our ultimate hope is in His eternal kingdom.
Goofy Guesses: (This is what I said NOT to do)
Scenario A: There will come out of this recent unrest in the Middle East a very powerful person or nation that will dominate and stabilize the world markets. It is possible that he will subdue radical Muslim elements and be very attractive as a 'secularist.' This individual or nation would be one we should be very wary of.
Scenario B: There is a rapid explosion of militant Islamic outbursts becoming deadly to Christians and Jews. This would launch the great tribulation and would be an unprecedented time of suffering for God's people.
Scenario C: Slow erosion of economic and political influence of the US. This would make it easier to interpret passages in Revelation by America's absence from the world stage. The current debate climate is beyond incredulous. I am reading online where people are voting because of how someone looks? Or if they like them or not? We aren't choosing tik-tok popular presidents people! We need smart and tough leaders!
Scenario D: Christianity explodes as a golden age of gospel expansion comes out of the political and economic unrest. This would be primarily a result of the growing church in China and Africa. The conversion rate is so powerful that even many Jews are converted in the process and would make post-millennial proponents of Revelation 20 look good.
Scenario E: All of the above or none of the above.
SEE WHAT I MEAN! Don't draw charts; just take steps of faith today. Be thankful and serve well. Again, no matter what happens, God is always worth sticking with, and only by His grace can we stick with Him. Let's keep encouraging each other to 'STICK WITH IT' and run the race with perseverance.
Not sure what book I will go to next—been thinking about reviewing books written by people who influence silicon valley and exploring new world views.
Here are notes on the passages above:
Daniel 11:36-12:4
Summary:
- Daniel 11:36-45: Describes the rise and actions of a powerful king who exalts himself above all gods. He will face opposition and conflict until his downfall.
- Daniel 12:1-4: Discusses the end times, highlighting a time of great distress and the eventual deliverance of those whose names are found in the book. It also mentions the resurrection, where some will awake to everlasting life and others to shame and contempt. Daniel is instructed to seal the book until the time of the end.
Explanation:
- The King: Likely refers to a future ruler who will oppose God and face divine judgment.
- End Times: A period of unprecedented tribulation followed by deliverance for the faithful.
- Resurrection: A clear mention of the resurrection of the dead, indicating a final judgment.
- Sealed Book: Implies that the full understanding of these prophecies will be revealed at the appointed time.
Matthew 24
Summary:
- Signs of the End: Jesus describes various signs that will precede the end times, including wars, famines, earthquakes, and false prophets.
- Tribulation: There will be great tribulation, and the love of many will grow cold.
- Return of Christ: Jesus emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of His return. He instructs His followers to be watchful and prepared.
Explanation:
- Signs and Warnings: Jesus provides detailed signs to watch for but cautions against being led astray by false messiahs and prophets.
- Endurance: Encourages believers to endure through the tribulation, promising that those who endure to the end will be saved.
- Parables: Uses parables to illustrate the need for readiness and vigilance, as the exact time of His return is unknown.
Revelation 20 and 21
Summary:
- Revelation 20: Describes the binding of Satan for a thousand years, the reign of Christ and the saints, the final rebellion of Satan, his ultimate defeat, and the final judgment of the dead.
- Revelation 21: Portrays the new heaven and new earth, the New Jerusalem, and the eternal dwelling of God with His people. It emphasizes the absence of sorrow, death, and pain, and the presence of God's glory.
Explanation:
- Millennium: A thousand-year reign of Christ and His saints, during which Satan is bound.
- Final Judgment: After Satan's final rebellion, he is defeated and thrown into the lake of fire. The dead are judged according to their deeds.
- New Creation: A new, perfect creation where God dwells with His people, bringing complete restoration and eternal peace.
Comparison
End Times and Tribulation:
- Daniel 11:36-12:4 and Matthew 24 both describe a period of intense tribulation before the end.
- Revelation 20 also describes a final period of rebellion and judgment, while Revelation 21 focuses on the aftermath, presenting the ultimate hope and restoration.
Resurrection and Judgment:
- Daniel 12:1-4 speaks of a resurrection to either everlasting life or contempt.
- Revelation 20 expands on this with the final judgment where the dead are judged according to their deeds.
- Matthew 24 doesn't detail the resurrection but emphasizes the need for readiness for Christ's return, implying judgment.
Future Hope:
- Daniel 12:1-4 offers hope through deliverance and resurrection.
- Matthew 24 provides hope through the promise of Christ's return and the salvation of the faithful.
- Revelation 21 culminates in the ultimate hope of a new heaven and earth where believers dwell eternally with God.
Each passage contributes to the biblical narrative of the end times, combining themes of tribulation, judgment, and ultimate hope, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, readiness, and the promise of eternal life with God.
No comments:
Post a Comment