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DANIEL 12:1-3 

HEBREWS 10:19-25 

MARK 13:1-8  

The theme for our reflection is knowing the signs of the end time. A sign is an occurrence of an event that indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else. We can rephrase the theme as occurrences in our world that indicates that the end time is approaching. What then is the end time? Then end time is the marks the Second and final appearance of Jesus Christ. In discussing the theme we shall ponder over the following points:  

1. The signs of the end time are not hidden. 

3. The signs of the end time are meant to keep us watchful and wise even as we await the judgment day .

2. The signs of the end  call for repentance and a life of perseverance .

Firstly, Jesus does not want us to be taken unawares therefore He reveals the signs of the end to us through His disciples. Jesus revealed that some of the remarkable signs of the end time are “ Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (Mark 13:6-8).  Similarly, the Lord revealed to Daniel that during end-time “… Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.” (Daniel 12:1) A believer has no excuse on the day of the Lord since all that will precede the day of the Lord ( the day of salvation and judgement) have been made known through the Biblical or Scriptural revelation.  It is for this reason Joshua admonishes us “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9).  A believer must read the Scripture and pray without ceasing to know the will and plans of God for the present and future. We are already experiencing all that Jesus had said. We have charlatans and agents of the anti-christ using deceiving people and doing all manner of things in the name of Jesus Christ. We have all manner of wars including physical and deadly battles involving nuclear weapons and sophisticated artillery,  economic or trade wars, ethnic, racial, class, ideological and religious wars happening all in the world today. 

Secondly, if the signs Jesus Christ revealed are happening then the signs of the end-time call for repentance for sinners and perseverance for believers even as we await the second coming of Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews encourages that “…, brothers and sisters since we have the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:19-23) Beloved in the Lord as we witness the signs of the end time, let us not think of ourselves but “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The best gift you can give a person in this world is to help him or her to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. It is, for this reason, He commissioned us when He said that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20). My dear friend, the signs of the end time are only alerting you and me to repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and in the vein alerting we those are already in the Lord to persevere in faith and overcome the temptations that the signs of the end time will bring upon us.  

Thirdly, the signs of the end time are meant to keep us on watch and be wise even as we await the final appearance. It is for this reason Jesus admonishes us to “Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Mark 13:5). Again in Daniel, the Lord revealed to Daniel that Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3). My dear friend, as we witness the signs of the end time, you must be watchful and wise a Christian husband, child, public servant, businessman or woman so that the world will not corrupt you and make you indulge in sexual immorality, bribery, drunkenness, and addiction of all kinds that will make it impossible for you to inherit the Kingdom of God for the Lord revealed to Daniel that “But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book —will be delivered. (Daniel 12:1). I need you to reflect on our relationship with God and ponder over these questions. Have you pleased God with your whole life, Do you believe per your relationship with God, your name is written in the Bood of everlasting life? If you are part of the living today then you have the choice to make. Paul admonishes us that “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13) 

In conclusion, my dear friend, the signs of the end time are not hidden from us but revealed to us through Scripture. The signs of the end-time call for repentance and a life of perseverance and last but not least, the signs of the end are meant to keep us watchful and wise even as we await the judgment day. May the Lord continue to guide our steps to overcome and persevere through the signs of the end time and counted among the citizens of His Kingdom. Shalom.  

Rev. Jean-Paul Agidi.