The Time Which Is Coming

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 1:56 pm Post subject: The Time Which Is Coming

The Time Which Is Coming

Scripture:

But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who stands for the children of your people: and a time shall come such as never was from the time that nations began even until that time. And at that time shall your people be saved, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake: some unto life everlasting, and others unto reproach, to see it always. But they that are learned shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity. (Daniel 12:1-3)

And every priest indeed stands daily ministering, and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sits on the right hand of God, from henceforth expecting, until his enemies be made his footstool. For by one oblation he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also does testify this to us. For after that he said:

Now where there is a remission of these, there is no more an oblation for sin. ( Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 )

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. And the stars of heaven shall be falling down, and the powers that are in heaven, shall be moved.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Now of the fig tree learn a parable. When the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves are come forth, you know that summer is very near. So you also when you shall see these things come to pass, know that it is very nigh, even at the doors. Amen I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, until all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away. But of that day or hour no man knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:24-32)

Reflection:

In the time of Daniel, the Jewish people were persecuted by Antiochus IV who imposed severe penalties, including death, for those who would not renounce their faith in God and adopt the idolatrous practices of the Greeks. The chosen children of God relied upon their faith to survive tribulation and adversity. In this time, Daniel prophesied of a time to come where the faithful would be saved. Daniel also prophesied of the judgment where the just would receive life everlasting while the unjust would be left to everlasting disgrace.

In the face of persecution and the efforts of Antiochus IV to force the Jews into idol worship, many rose in revolt, facing death rather than turning from their God. As in any time of tribulation, some stood strong to their faith while some were willing to turn away from their God for purposes of political expedience or self preservation. In such times, people select their path by what is in their heart. Some will see what the struggle before them means, while others will fail to comprehend the threat to their soul.

The struggles of history continue to repeat. We need only look at the turmoil of our day to see the oppression of the faithful. It often begins in small ways as the faithful are pressured to compromise elements of their faith, but after each compromise comes the demand for another. The demands of concessions may be seductive or brutal. Through various means, the faithful are encouraged to set aside their faith for the rewards of the world, but the faithful must remember, the soul is never safe in the face of evil. Eventually, oppression will grow and the faithful will be faced with choices of life or death. Blessed are those who are not blinded by the world, but see that it is better to die to this world than to die to the next.

The prophesy of Daniel is a prophesy of judgment and of the One who will judge. Unlike judges of law, the judge sent by God will not only judge what is in the heart, but for the contrite heart which believes in the Son, He shall offer forgiveness and the opportunity for everlasting life. It is for this reason the Son took upon His shoulders, from upon the cross, all the sins of the world so that we might receive His love and not have to suffer the terrible price of our iniquities.

The tribulation of which Daniel warned continues to repeat, continually testing the generation of the faithful. In the struggle between good and evil, each soul must determine their allegiance. The tribulation of the days, however, will not compare to the tribulation of which Jesus warns where the world as we know it will come to its end. He warns us to be vigilant, to observe what is happening and be vigilant with our lives.

The generation of the faithful must prepare themselves as if each day which passes may be our last, for as Jesus warned, we do not know the day or the hour. The generation of the faithful, all who believe in Him, shall have their day before Him where they may profess their love, but we can also expect that He might ask of us, but how do I know that you believe in and love me?

The question is not for Him, for He already knows. The question is for us, for we must reflect upon what we have kept within our hearts. If we have kept love for Him, He will know. If we harbor evil, He will know.

Though our lives reflect many poor choices, the choices of sin, it is love which will wash us and purify us. If we approach Him with a contrite and loving heart, He will embrace us and wash us in the blood which was offered in atonement for what we have done and what we have failed to do. Through Him, we will be brought to the Father, cleansed of our iniquities. This, He has offered. This, we shall receive, if we open our hearts and offer our love to Him.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier