Meditating on what God’s word says about the days immediately preceding the second coming of Jesus, I was drawn to the last chapter of Daniel.
There is not much detail, apart from stating that it will be a time of distress unequalled since the beginning of nations, which Jesus himself quoted while filling in some of the detail such as the rise of false prophets and the increase of wickedness.
Shining like stars
Daniel’s focus is not so much on the trouble in store as on the destiny and purpose of the people of God: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Dan 12:2f)
Are we shining with wisdom and leading many to righteousness? In the midst of all the trouble and strife brought about by Covid in a country that was already lawless and godless before the plague came upon us, Christians should be concentrating on being light in the darkness.
They should also be using the opportunity afforded by the fear and trepidation in which many are living of sharing “Christ in us, the hope of glory”. (Col 1:27) Our hearts should be set on winning souls for Jesus and calling the nation back to God rather than secondary issues that often bring division and confusion.
It’s greatly encouraging to hear of the many passionate believers who form pockets of resistance against enemy activity around the country, but there is also much for which we need to repent. We have been weak and lethargic, bound and gagged in chains from making our voices heard. And I know we are under increasing pressure, but we have not yet resisted to the point of shedding our blood (Heb 12:4), as many are experiencing in other parts of the world.
The Apostle Paul echoes Daniel’s thoughts when he urges the Philippians: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (Phil 2:14-16)
These are indeed days of turmoil, but look up, for it means that your redemption is near.
Commenting on the passage from Daniel we are discussing, noted author and preacher Sam Gordon writes: “Against a woefully dark background is a gleaming, diamond-like promise that God never short-changes his people. As end-time soul-winners and disciple-makers, they will shine like the sun and display a shimmering splendour like the stars…The worst of times behind them, the best of times stretching before them.”1
The best is yet to come
Yes, the last days will be dire, as prophesied, but the best is yet to come. There is a crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:8) awaiting all who have steadfastly trusted Jesus. At the wedding in Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine, the master of ceremonies acknowledged that the best had been saved till last. These are indeed days of turmoil, but look up, for it means that your redemption is near (Luke 21:28).
South African Christians turning to God
Faced with a country in severe difficulties following looting and violence which has left 300 dead, the South African Christians are turning to God in their troubles. My wife and I were privileged to have taken part in an international prayer meeting for South Africa via YouTube last Saturday.
Led by evangelist/farmer Angus Buchan, 27 leaders from around the world contributed passionate, Bible-based prayers for repentance and revival. Among them were company directors, pastors, politicians and even the nation’s Chief Justice. Also included was a Brazilian man who prayed in Portuguese and a representative of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. As it happens, the embassy was originally set up by South African Christians to show their support for Israel at a time when few nations were forging diplomatic relations with the Jewish state. There was, in fact, a strong pro-Israel emphasis on the event, and a pastor from Northern Ireland, dedicated to reconciliation within his own land, also took part.
Angus himself, whose inspirational leadership has done much to change the spiritual atmosphere of the nation in recent decades, became very emotional toward the close of the 90-minute session. Perhaps that is what is missing in the UK; we keep a British stiff upper lip and suppress our emotions. But it’s our hearts that need touching with the love, joy and peace of Jesus that will overflow to the nation.
A need for the hope of Christ
Many are gripped with fear over Covid, and much more. Above all, they need the hope of Christ. The Prime Minister has now launched a big push on tackling crime – just one of a plethora of problems facing us. As he acknowledges the hard-pressed nature of policing, a start could be made if they stopped wasting time and resources by arresting street preachers.
Many are gripped with fear over Covid, and much more. Above all, they need the hope of Christ.
In this respect, David Andrew, editor of Sword magazine, hits the nail on the head when he writes: “Instead of arresting street preachers for disturbing the sensibilities of our too easily offended, sulky, immature, intolerant society, the government should be employing all the preachers it can find to call the nation back to God.”2
We mustn’t let secondary issues, such as Covid regulations, cause division or distract us from our unique message. Referring to our Adversary, the devil, Andrew adds: “If he can separate the church from her message, he separates the lost world from its only hope.”3
We mustn’t let secondary issues, such as Covid regulations, cause division or distract us from our unique message.
Maybe things need to get worse before we really cry out to God in repentance and faith, like our South African brethren. But remember that, after all our troubles, Jesus saves the best till last for those who have trusted him, who can look forward with great anticipation to the magnificent wedding banquet he is preparing for us (Rev 19:7).
A foundation on God’s word
But I’ll let Queen Victoria have the last word. Thanks to a bound copy of a children’s book rescued from a skip, we have the beautiful story of how the famed monarch answered the ambassadors of an African prince, who wanted to know the secret of England’s greatness. She told him that it was not in the size of her fleet or armies, nor in her boundless merchandise or inexhaustible wealth. She did not show off her diamonds, jewels and rich ornaments, but handed over a beautifully bound copy of the Bible, saying: “Tell the prince that this is the secret of England’s success.”4
Endnotes
1Great God of Heaven, Sam Gordon, 2020, Christian Year Publications
2Sword, July/August 2021
3Ibid
4From a book saved from a skip – part of a bound collection of The Children’s Friend dated June 1st 1869 – and reproduced in their newsletter by Walmer Chapel, near Deal in Kent.
