Scripture:
Hebrews 1:1-2; Acts 2:14-21; 1 Corinthians 10:6-11
Mon, 30 May 2022

Meaning of “End Times”

Observation:

How do you understand the term “the last days”?

Deeper Reflection
MANY CHRISTIANS THINK OF “THE LAST DAYS” ONLY AS A period at the very end of history. “The popular understanding in the church today that the latter days concerns only the yet future end of the world needs correction.”65God is the Creator King of the universe who rules over the whole history of humankind. The history of humankind is framed by God’s creation of the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1) and the “new heavens and new earth” (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1), and pivotally and climatically marked by two defining historical-theological events: the First Coming and Second Coming of Christ. The First Coming of Christ is defined by God as “the fullness of the time” (Gal 4:4). Jesus, who Himself embodies the kingdom of God, defined the beginning of His messianic ministry as “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk 1:15). God, after He spoke long ago in the prophets in many portions and in many ways (in the Old Testament), “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (vv.1-2). The First Coming of Christ was the most definitive self-revelation of God in human form – God “has spoken in His Son” – and this marked the beginning of the “last days”. The descent of the promised Holy Spirit on Pentecost was “in the last days” (Acts 2:17). The “last days” has begun already in the first century at Christ’s First Coming and continues on into our present day. Believers in Christ are people “upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Cor 10:11).
65 G. K. Beale, 19
Application:

What does it mean for me to live in the last days?

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You that You have forewarned in Your Word that in the last days difficult times will come.62 So, I pray, Lord, be my strength and my salvation, and make me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon whatever challenging heights.63 But in times when my flesh and my heart fail, be the strength of my heart.64
62 2 Timothy 3:1 63 Habakkuk 3:18-19 64 Psalm 73:26
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:7-17
Wed, 31 May 2023

Answering God’s Call in Vocation

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel did not choose to serve Babylonian kings in Babylon. It was circumstances – a national crisis of his country – that compelled Daniel to be where he was and doing what he was doing. Daniel did not have the privilege, opportunity or freedom to pursue a career of his own desire. However, it was out of these adverse circumstances, that Daniel discovered God’s call for him: To serve God through serving Babylonian kings. And God gave him the specific competency to fulfil God’s call (Dan 1:17). After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream and the interpretation, he was “promoted” to be “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan 2:48).When Belshazzar gathered his wise men to interpret for him the inscription on the wall, Daniel was not among them. Daniel was not unknown to Belshazzar.59 He knew him as “one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah” and “appointed him chief ” over all the wise men of Babylon (vv.11-12). It was only when the queen mentioned Daniel to him, that Belshazzar called for him (vv.10-11). Belshazzar “deliberately ignored Daniel”60 . Daniel was sidelined. How do you respond to being sidelined? For Daniel, he felt secure. Daniel was secure because he had no ambition to climb the corporate ladder. He had no interest in rewards and promotion. Daniel said to Belshazzar, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else” (vv.16-17). But Daniel interpreted the inscription for Belshazzar. Daniel was answering God’s call for him.
59 Ernest C. Lucas, 131 60 Ernest C. Lucas, 131
Application:

What positive attitudes do I need to cultivate in my workplace?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: To view their vocation as answering God’s call for their lives
  • Pray for self
 

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