I don't believe I am the only one who understands the value of considering prophecies. After all, as a Christian, a bedrock of our faith are the promises God has given us through the prophecies in the Bible. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament provide us with guidance as to what to expect as the world advances towards its inevitable end. Many of those promises center on God's forgiveness for our sins and the redeemed life we can live with Him for eternity. But there are also many promises in the form of warnings that point to the consequences of our rejection and rebellion towards Him. And then there are the prophecies that outline the Enemy's plans and hopes to usurp God's authority over the earth and establish his own dominion over mankind.
I know a lot of people are focused on the arrival of a One-World Leader who becomes the Antichrist; first promising peace, only to usher in a time of destruction and war. The Bible tells us these things must come to pass, but I refuse to become engulfed by fear. So, while I do not obsess about negative and unfulfilled prophecies -- instead, choosing to focus on those I know are certain and guaranteed by God in His Word -- I am not foolish enough to ignore those that the Word also substantiates as part of Satan's strategy to try and defeat God. It would be imprudent of me not to discern the warnings that our Lord gives us to avoid falling into the devil's trap. Here are just a few that are coming into fruition...
Many of you may recall the prophetic forecast that many modern day "prophets" said would be the signs of the times in 2025. One that stands out to me is the possible fulfillment of 1 Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Not only do we see mainline denominations accepting unbiblical doctines of same-sex marriages, gender fluidity, and supporting abortion "rights", but they also ignore the child sex trade that is exported from our country.
As we watch our economy struggling to maintain any kind of security, I can't help but see that the momentum for a digital currency sets us up not only to lose control of managing our own money, but makes us subject to increasing surveillance and monitoring. With the supersonic advancement of technology, it isn't too hard to see the beginning of the Beast System that the Bible warns us about. And if that is in play, then the persecution, oppression, and tyranny against Christians is not too far behind. We're already seeing a rise in anti-semitism, and the Middle East is on fire once again, with Israel and Jerusalem in the cross-hairs. [NOTE: It's hard for me to see God's holy Zion in place just yet. My prayers are supporting the growing number of Messianic Jews in Israel who are seeking God's ancient plan for His allotted people and their inheritance as His portion among the peoples of the earth. The political factions running Israel today do not meet that description. I pray for the day they join their Messianic brethren and call upon the Name of Jesus, and thus, be Saved. Then watch what God does to their enemies!
And of course, we can't ignore the ongoing tension centering around Russia, Iran, Turkey and others [including China] who are mentioned by their ancient names in Ezekiel 38. We must not try to discern their significance through the lens of the nightly news and talking heads, nor "lean on our own understanding", but rather, trust in God's sovereign plan for the world, which leads to His ultimate transformation of this planet into the New Heaven and New Earth.
And now I want to switch to an ancient 16th Century Seer, Healer and Astrologer, Nostradamus, who, whether you believe his prophecies or remain skeptical, has seemed to predict such historical events as the French Revolution, the rise of Adolph Hitler, the nuclear devastation of Hiroshima, and even the September 11th attacks in New York. So what did he forecast for 2025? Among his prognostications are the return of an ancient plague; a possible collision between earth and something from outer space (the remnant of Planet X or the Planet Rahab?); a scientific breakthrough that will revolutionize healthcare; a surge of natural disasters; the collapse of financial stability and a new currency (possibly a new, global digital currency like Bitcoin?).
But the one prophecy that Nostradamus makes that gives me a sense of hope and expectation is that 2025 will begin an era of spiritual awakening. While I am not yet convinced that there will be "a worldwide revival" that many other modern prophets forecast, I can believe that as humankind finds ways to navigate through the wars that are on the horizon, the diseases that are being engineered, the financial collapse and restructuring, and whatever the cosmos and natural disasters have in store for us, we will come out of our addiction to materialism and reawaken to the rewards of spiritual transformation. I long for the day that the Remnant takes its place among the human race and those who have accepted Jesus's invitation will see Him in His crown of glory, clothed in His beauty and might.
The Bible is full of the promises for God's Remnant. Yes, it also gives us warnings of the things I have mentioned, Nostradamus's predictions, and the forecasts of modern day prophets; some of whom are true, and some that are false. But there seems to be at least an approximation of Biblical truth in them when you apply the axiom of Proverbs 25:2 ... it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out. And since we are to become kings and priests in the Millennial Kingdom, I believe we can engage in discerning whether the ancient and modern prophecies are truly converging. After all, God loves it when we seek to know more about Him -- as long as we don't lose sight of our ultimate victory in Him. This is not a time to fear or get distracted. But it is time to be still and listen for God's encouragement and wisdom as we move into these prophetic times. Keep your eyes on Him and watch what He will show you!
Ezra 9:8 But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within His holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery.
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