Today’s reading:
2 Timothy 3:1-9
“But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble (hard to deal with and hard to bear).” (v. 1 AMPV)
As far back as the Old Testament days, Prophet Joel had prophesied about what would happen in the “last days” (Joel 2:28-32). As expected, Jesus Christ himself and some of the Apostles, especially Paul, taught at length about the “last days”. The term “Last day” is spoken about and referred to also as: the end of the age; signs of Your coming (Matt. 24:3); the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:23); Latter times (1 Tim. 4:1); signs of the days of Noah (Matt. 24:37). The teaching of Christ about the last days arose from the conversation that the disciples had with him, when they spoke about the temple in Jerusalem, how it was adorned with beautiful stones (Luke 21:5; Matt 24:1). However, Jesus replied that the days would come when not one stone would be left upon another, but should be thrown down. The disciples further asked Jesus when these things would be, and what would be the signs that they would be about to take place (the sign of His coming and the end of the age [Matt. 24:3]). Jesus enlightened his disciples extensively on what to expect as signs to identify the last days which would cumulate to his second coming to the earth, as said in Acts 1:11. It is said in Matt. 24:30 that the sign of the ‘Son of Man’ will appear in heaven, as He comes on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
It is interesting to point out that Jesus himself said He did not know the day and hour that his appearing would be. He said no one knows, not even angels in heaven, but only his Father. (Matt. 24:36, 44; Mk. 13:32). Gladly enough, Jesus gave a hint in Matt. 24:14, where He said the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Also, in v34, He said assuredly that this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Now, having an idea of the time, it is important to know the sign to watch out for, the expectations and how to prepare for them. Jesus in Matt. 24:5-29 listed the signs as: deception (many coming in his name); noise of wars and rumours of wars; nations rising against nations; famine, pestilences, earthquakes in various places; all of which are the beginning of sorrow. Furthermore, people would be delivered up to tribulation and killed, hated for his name’s sake (persecution); betrayal; rise of false prophets who will deceive; abomination of desolation (Dan. 12:1); great tribulation; rise of false Christs and false prophets who will show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible even the elects. Immediately after the tribulation, the sun will darken, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from heaven, and powers of the heavens will be shaken. This same account is recorded in Luke 21:8-26. After all these, Jesus, the Son of Man will appear on the clouds of heaven.
In spite of these negative expectations, it is encouraging that Jesus had some words of encouragement. These include: the persecution will turn out for occasion for testimony (Lk. 21:13); in spite of the betrayal and hatred, not a hair of your head shall be lost (Lk. 21:18); and when these signs begin to happen, people are to look up and lift up their heads because their redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). Another consolation in coping includes the fact that Jesus promised that, for the elects’ sake, the days of the tribulation will be shortened (Matt. 24:22). Now, having known what to expect at the last days, how should we prepare for them?
Firstly, everyone needs to be born again, become a believer – an elect of God. This automatically qualifies one to be gathered together with others from the four winds and the end of heaven to Jesus, by his angels whom He will send (Matt. 24:31).
Secondly, stay awake, be ready, be faithful until death, keep your garments on (Rev. 16:15), exercise yourself towards godliness (1 Tim. 4:70), do not be a scoffer, live and exhibit holy conduct and godliness (2 Pet. 3:3-4), be not any of the people listed in our Today’s reading in vs 2-7.
Finally, watch and pray always, that you may be counted worthy to escape all those things that will come to pass, and stand before the Son of Man (Lk. 21: 36). As Apostle Paul prayed for the saints in Thessalonica in Thess. 5:23, I pray that may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may Your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of life on this earth, given to all your children created in your image.
Precious Saviour, we thank you for coming to the earth to redeem mankind so that we can live and reign with you forever.
Father, please open our eyes and help us live our lives so that we will continually be prepared for the coming of your Son in these last days.
Lord, alert the church to its role in winning souls, as you deliver them out of the expected evil of the last days.
Father, send revival to our nation, so that souls will be delivered at these last days and prepared for heaven.
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