The Bible teaches that the final events will involve nations, kingdoms, and systems coming together in ways that will affect the whole world. Scripture points toward a future period of unprecedented global authority and control under the Antichrist. However, believers should be careful not to label every modern political or economic development as the fulfilment of a specific prophecy. Our responsibility is to watch, discern, and remain faithful to Christ. Scriptural Readings for the Day Revelation 13:7, 16-17 (KJV) “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Luke 21:36 (KJV) “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Prayer Lord Jesus, give me discernment as I watch the developments of this world. Keep me from fear and deception, and help me to remain faithful to You regardless of what comes. Amen.
Knowledge is not always a blessing when separated from the fear of God. As human understanding and technology increase, many become proud, trusting in themselves while rejecting their Creator. Knowledge may expand the mind while hardening the heart when it is used to exalt humanity and replace God’s Word with human reasoning. When Moses stood before Pharaoh, Egypt’s magicians imitated some of God’s signs, but their false power could not overcome Him. Their imitation did not lead to repentance, and Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened. Likewise, many today use knowledge without reverence for God. They may study creation while refusing to acknowledge the Creator. Such learning can produce pride, trust in human ability, and rejection of Scripture. Knowledge without the fear of God cannot give salvation or true wisdom. Let us seek knowledge that produces humility, repentance, wisdom, and obedience. True understanding begins by recognizing that every good gift and every truth come from the Lord. Scriptural Readings for the Day Daniel 12:4 (KJV) “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Exodus 7:11–13 (KJV) “Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” Proverbs 1:7 (KJV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Romans 1:22–25 (KJV) “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man… Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Prayer Father, as knowledge increases, keep my heart humble and dependent upon You. Help me never to let human learning, science, or technology turn me from Your truth. Give me discernment to recognize pride and pursue wisdom rooted in the fear of the Lord. May all I learn lead me to worship, obey, and draw nearer to You. Amen.
Jesus warned that wars and rumours of wars would characterize the period leading toward the end. However, He also warned His disciples not to be troubled, because these things would not by themselves mean that the end had immediately arrived. We should therefore watch the developments of the world without fear or sensationalism. Most importantly, we must keep our hearts prepared for the coming of Christ. Scriptural Readings for the Day Matthew 24:6-8 (KJV) 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Mark 13:33 (KJV) “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” Prayer Lord, keep my heart from fear and confusion as I see events unfolding around the world. Help me to watch, pray, and remain prepared for Your coming. Amen
The prophet Daniel spoke of a time when knowledge would increase. We live in an age of extraordinary scientific, technological, and informational advancement, but increased knowledge does not automatically produce increased righteousness. Human beings are becoming more knowledgeable while becoming spiritually farther from God. Therefore, let us seek not only knowledge about the world but wisdom from God’s Word.
Scriptural Readings for the Day
Daniel 12:4 (KJV) “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
Proverbs 1:7 (KJV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Hosea 4:6 (KJV) “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee…”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom that comes from You. Help me not to be impressed only by worldly knowledge, but to know Your Word and walk in Your truth. Amen.
When the Increase of Knowledge Hardens Men’s Hearts
The Bible warns that the last days will be characterized by widespread selfishness, pride, disobedience, greed, and godlessness. These conditions should remind us that we are living in serious times. Rather than allowing the darkness around us to influence our lives, we must remain faithful to Christ. Let us continue in the truth even when righteousness becomes unpopular. Scriptural Readings for the Day 2 Timothy 3:1-2, 4-5 (KJV) “1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Romans 13:12 (KJV) “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Prayer Father, keep me faithful in these perilous times. Help me to reject the spirit of this age and live a life that honours You. Amen.
While we may live as though we have all the time in the world, there are saints who have been waiting for centuries and even thousands of years. They suffered and died for their faith, yet they are still waiting for the day when God will bring justice, comfort His people, and reward His faithful servants. Their cry, “How long, O Lord?” reminds us that Christ’s return is not only about our escape from this troubled world but also about the fulfilment of God’s promises to all who have patiently waited for Him. Scriptural Readings for the Day Revelation 6:10-11 KJV 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Revelation 22:12 (KJV) “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Prayer Lord, help me to wait patiently and remain faithful, knowing that You have not forgotten Your people. Strengthen my heart as I look forward to the day when You will bring justice, comfort Your saints, and reward the faithful. Amen.
