Your Daily Devotional for June 20, 2006

 

June 20, 2006

Indications of the Last Days

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
2 Timothy 3:1

It seems like one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “Are we living in the last days?” Whether it is in the news media, or in a book, people are talking about the end times. Are there any indications that we are living in the last days? I believe we can see several from the Scriptures.

The Bible indicates that in the last days there will be wars and rumors of wars. Jesus said in Matthew 24:6-7, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”  

Christ also revealed that in the last days, the nation of Israel would return to their homeland. This prophecy is found in Ezekiel 36-37 and describes the dispersion and later return of the people of Israel. This prophecy has been fulfilled in part by the creation of the Jewish state on May 14, 1948.

 

False prophets will also be abundant in the last days, as Jesus says, Matthew 24:11, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” False prophets and false religions are abounding today, and millions are following the deception that these religions impose.

 

There will also be an increase of disease and earthquakes “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven” (Luke 21:11). The word “pestilences” used in this verse means diseases. Whether it is HIV, SARS, the Bird Flu, or something else, disease will be rampant in the end times.

 

For the Christian, none of this is discouraging news! In the early church there was a great anticipation for the Lord’s return. Every writer of the New Testament gave some information about the Second Coming and the hope it brought to those in suffering and persecution. Many had lost loved ones and dear friends, so the hope of seeing them again was comforting.

 

Is there any indication that we are living in the last days? There are many signs in the Bible, but the clearest is found in Revelation 22:12: “Behold, I come quickly.” Knowing that His return is imminent, we don’t need to occupy our time with looking for signs; rather, we should be looking for the Saviour. Titus 2:14 says, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

 

Friend, do you nonchalantly go through your regular routine of your day? Is there no sense of urgency in your life? Do you pass by unsaved people without telling them of God’s gift for them?

 

Christian, Christ is coming soon! Yes, we should be encouraged, but we should also be motivated! We need to take every chance we get to tell those around us of salvation. Who can you think of today that you don’t want to see go to Hell? Don’t miss an opportunity to talk to them today, before it’s too late!

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