end times – Be Still…

Mark 13:3-23 – Jesus Looks Out For Us

We now know how much Jesus will look out for us when troubles come. We’re given the privilege of hearing what Jesus was telling some of his closest followers. Jesus made it sound like these things were only going to happen during the disciples’ lifetimes, but the promise continues as we are facing the same opposition. There are so many gems in this reading.

Jesus speaks of the end times, as well as our times of persecution while we wait. You’ve probably heard people say “we’re in the end times” because of the earthquakes and wars going on around the globe. It’s not surprising, then, that we as Christ-followers are under attack for our faith in some parts of the world. Even churches and faith groups are under siege, as well as individuals standing for their religious rights. All have been mocked and scorned by society. It’s happening. Continue reading “Mark 13:3-23 – Jesus Looks Out For Us”

2 Timothy 3:5 – Watch Out!

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5)

There are times when God uses Scripture to educate us. This is one of those times. This world is not without dangers. What a blessing we have these warnings! We may encounter people like this who act religious and all high and mighty. God looks at their hearts, their motivation. So should we.

Context: In this section, Paul warns us about the dangers of the end times. Lately, I’ve heard many people discussing their opinion that we are in the “end times.” As I’ve cautioned before, we have been in the end times since Jesus returned to heaven as we await his return. However, these warnings are not to be ignored. Paul is talking about the regular, everyday kind of people we are likely to encounter. Continue reading “2 Timothy 3:5 – Watch Out!”

Revelation 1:1-3 – Be Blessed

Read Revelation 1:1-3

What authority John points to as he opens this final book in the New Testament! We can find peace knowing these words have been prepared by God himself for Jesus to share with us! “This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place.” Jesus knew our inquiring minds would be better equipped for life if we had the assurances we’ll find in Revelation. Considering the source of the revelation, we can trust what John is about to reveal to us.

Jesus had told his followers he would return one day. Many times in Jesus’ teachings he shared glimpses into the future. Like us, the disciples were so caught up in the present, looking to the future wasn’t easy. Revelation is an entire book, a gift from God himself, full of messages and revelations of the future involving our King Jesus. Continue reading “Revelation 1:1-3 – Be Blessed”

Daniel 12:1-13 – The End Times

Read Daniel 12:1-13

This reading concludes Daniel’s discussion with the angel messenger and the book of Daniel. What a way to end! Daniel will be one of the ones in heaven one day! He may not understand what that all means, none of us do. It is an inheritance unparalleled.

This was a lot for Daniel to take in. We have the honor to be living in a world after Jesus’ first coming. We know how many prophecies Jesus’ life fulfilled, and how many more are yet to be fulfilled. Daniel’s message is one of those prophetic messages with “unfinished business.” Continue reading “Daniel 12:1-13 – The End Times”

Daniel 8:15-27 – Hey Gabriel!

Read Daniel 8:15-27

I think I would have fainted, too, in the presence of the angel, Gabriel. It’s probably the appropriate human response to a visible appearance of God or his messenger. I understand this may be Gabriel’s first appearance in the Old Testament. You may recall Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist and the Messiah in Luke’s gospel account.

Gabriel tells Daniel, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.” It’s helpful to remember this reference to “time of the end” encompasses the years between the end of the exile and Jesus’ second coming. That’s a lot of years! Gabriel makes it sound like these events won’t be happening any time soon. Daniel doesn’t need to fear for he will not likely be alive. Continue reading “Daniel 8:15-27 – Hey Gabriel!”