BIBLE PASSAGE:
At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people,
will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not
happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at
that time your people—everyone whose name is found written
in the book—will be delivered.
(Daniel 12:1)
MEDITATION:
The disciples of Jesus wanted to know more about the “end times”.
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came
to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen,
and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
(Matthew 24:3)
As believers and followers of Christ, we are his disciples
and we are also curious about when He will return.
Of course no one knows when He will return,
but Jesus gives us some signs that indicate it is nearing.
First of all Jesus tells us to be aware that there will be many
who claim to represent Him, but they are in fact, deceivers.
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’
and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars,
but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen,
but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes
in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
(Matthew 24:4-8)
We have witnessed “deceivers” as evangelists with
crowds of followers have been exposed for everything
from financial indiscrepancies to adulterous relationships.
We have also seen “wars” (Gulf War, Afghanistan War, etc.)
and heard “rumors of wars” that later came to fruition
(Example:
Russian invasion of Ukraine and
Georgia – this is “nations rising against nations”).
From the invasion of Ukraine, and the apparent alliance of China
and Russia, we have heard rumors of a potential Nuclear War.
Note:
The senseless murders of innocent women and children
highlights the magnitude of evilness that exists in the world.
“Famines” are created today as a result of climatic factors such
as drought, tsunamis, economic shocks (such as rapid inflation),
and violent conflict (wars) or other political causes.
For example, the famine in Somalia was caused by a severe drought,
a dramatic spike in the cost of food, and a devastating loss of purchasing
power, and conflict. These occurred on top of long-term environmental
degradation, deteriorating opportunities in agricultural and pastoral
livelihoods (managing livestock), and the absence of a central state authority.
When we analyze the devastating effects of socialism (promoted
by many), we can see the potential for a “political induced famine”
as inflation makes it difficult for families to provide for their needs.
As of the creation of this devotional, we have seen a “runaway inflation”
in process resulting from poor (or calculated) decisions, by those in
leadership positions. In America, God has provided us with energy
resources, but leaders have chosen to ignore what He has given, and
chosen to pay higher prices for resources from other parts of the world.
Socialism is tailor made for the Antichrist appearance. It continues
to create conditions that bring about great stress and trouble,
which results in difficult days that will be hard to bear. It also
demands a one world system of government, (which scripture
says will be established before the end of history).
Under socialism, the government becomes the exclusive
authority and regulator of the means of production.
Unfortunately, governments are often influenced by certain
individuals, who are who crave authority, and are greedy and
selfish. As more authority is transferred to the government,
the few at the top become authoritarian. This is how socialism
understood in a contemporary society.
Socialism wants us to forget the past
(destruction of monuments and statues).
Socialism wants us to stop our worshipping together
(its fire has been fed by the pandemic). Thankfully
God has allowed worship to continue through social
media.
Socialism wants to legislate the poor into prosperity,
by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
Socialism means that what one person receives without working,
another person must provide for, by working without receiving.
Socialism means the government must take from someone
working, in order to give to those who choose not to work.
Socialism wants to increase wealth by dividing it
(which is a foolish proposition).
When half of the people get the idea that they do not have
to work because the other half is going to take care of them,
and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to
work because somebody else is going to get what they work
for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.
The scriptures tell us:
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:
“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
(2 Thessalonians 3:10)
These scriptures support ownership of private property
which contradicts the ideas of Marxism (aka socialism):
Exodus 22;
Exodus 20:15;
Exodus 20:17
Socialism and Marxist ideas emerged long after the Bible
was written, but that does not mean Scripture is silent about
the trouble behind this ideology. The Bible lays out many
economic principles that point us away from socialist
concepts. Consider the following:
There is dignity in work.
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor,
working with his hands what is good, that he may have
something to give him who has need.” (Ephesians 4:28)
Trust God’s ability to provide through the local church.
“And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such
things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages.
Do not go from house to house.” (Luke 10:7)
Laziness should not be tolerated.
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
(2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Scripture affirms providing
for our families and saving for the future.
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
(Proverbs 13:22)
Thriftiness is encouraged.
“There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the
wise, but a foolish man squanders it.” (Proverbs 21:20)
The Lord expects us to be
wise stewards of the resources He gives us.
“So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers,
and at my coming I would have received back my own with
interest.” (Matthew 25:27)
We have a right to protect our private
property, and seek restitution when it is stolen.
“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or articles to keep,
and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found,
he shall pay double.”( Exodus 22:7)
Private property is an asset that we
can use for the benefit of God’s people.
“Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all
who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and
brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and
laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to
each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also
named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated
Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of
Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money
and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:34-37)
Scripture teaches us to
respect the personal property of others.
“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
We should be content
with what we have, even if others have more.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not
covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his
female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything
that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17)
And as far as “earthquakes”, the annual number of “great” earthquakes
nearly tripled over the last decade, providing a reminder to us that
unruptured faults (like those in the northwest United States) might
be due for a Big One.
The analysis of seismic activity by Rystad Energy reveals
that tremors of above the magnitude of 2 on the Richter
scale quadrupled in 2020 and are on track to increase
even further in frequency.
ACTION:
Jesus said that these are the “beginning of birth pains”,
so what are we to do with this information (predicted in the Bible)?
Jesus said that we should be aware of the nearness of His return.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get
tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near,
right at the door. (Mathew 24:32-33)
In other words, we should not ignore these signs as the world
would encourage us to do. Instead we should be striving to
grow closer to the Lord, and have a burning desire to see
lost souls hear the Gospel and receive salvation. We should
be actively using the spiritual gift (or gifts) the Lord has
given us as a way of pointing the lost toward Jesus.
We should feel a sense of urgency to eliminate the sinful
things in our lives that we planned to correct ‘some day’.
We should strive to know the Lord and His plans for us.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter
the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the
will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to
me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your
name and in your name drive out demons and in your
name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them
plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
(Matthew 7:21-23)
It has been said that the Bible contains over 3000
promises and many of them have already been fulfilled.
One of those promises is that Jesus will return and
all people will be judged (the lost will be condemned
to an eternal hell, and the saved will be judged on
how well they have served the Lord).
We have no reason to believe that this promise will not
be fulfilled the same as all others have been. His return,
and living for Him now, should not be taken lightly, but
should become a high priority in the lives of everyone.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises in Your Word.
Thank You for Jesus and the sacrifice He made for all mankind.
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit as an advocate for those
who have chosen to be followers of Christ and have received
Your salvation. Thank You for the spiritual gifts You have
given us so that we can express our thankfulness for Your
You have called us to serve. Forgive me for allowing Satan
and sin to control me in such a way that I have procrastinated
my plans to forsake the temptations and grow closer to You.
Help me to change my ‘some day’ plans to ‘today’ and show
me how I can contribute to Your earthly ministry to seek and
save the lost souls.”
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