https://esv.literalword.com/?q=daniel+12%3B+2+john+1
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 27 October 2023:
Daniel 12:4 – But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.
People are getting busier and busier, and human knowledge is increasing exponentially on earth, but wisdom is decreasing just as fast. While the ungodly pride themselves in their knowledge, they become increasingly capable of evil and destructiveness. Our global technologies have become our Tower of Babel – our rapid progress is rapidly progressing us towards catastrophic consequences as mankind seeks their own global kingdom on earth rather than the Kingdom of God.
Daniel 12:9 — Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
End Times prophecy is mostly intended to be understood when it is fulfilled, when it occurs, to give confidence throughout all times that God is in control and has a plan and to give confirmation to those who witness the fulfillment of prophecy that God always fulfills His word. Daniel 11:1-36 shows us that God fulfills His word, and we can have complete confidence that God will fulfill His End Times prophecy – only the Father knows when.
Daniel 12:10 – Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.
You are either purifying yourself as one of God’s holy people or not. You are either giving your allegiance to this world or to God. The world will be distinctly divided between true Christians and the ungodly. Only the true followers of Christ will have the spiritual discernment to understand what is going on. The wicked cannot understand the gravity of what is happening around them right now.
Daniel 12:13 – But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.
Daniel would die before the end of the days, but there is a position awaiting him when Christ returns to establish His Kingdom on earth.
2 John 1:3 — Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
Grace, mercy, and peace can come, ultimately, only from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son; and grace, mercy, and peace only exist where there is truth and love. Again, there is no love apart from the truth. This is wholly contrary from what the world says.
Your level of grace, mercy, and peace, truthfulness and lovingness, reveal how close you really are to Jesus.
2 John 1:4-11 – I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father…. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it…. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” Knowing the truth isn’t enough. We must “walk” in the truth with peace and joy out of love. If you are obeying but it is difficult for you, you still have a love problem.
“And now I ask you… that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” Once again, love requires obedience to God’s commands.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves…. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Which of our leaders in America proclaim the Gospel above all else? Christians often get excited about leaders who never mention Jesus or His Gospel but proclaim a message of salvation through human effort and achievement. The seemingly good message that doesn’t point to Christ is ultimately deception. Remember, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching [the Gospel], do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Don’t fall into the trap of moralism. How many times will you proclaim Jesus Christ today?
John was known as the ‘Apostle of Love.’ Notice how adamant John is about the requirement for obedience in love. This is in stark contrast to the world today which sees calls to obedience as somehow ‘unloving.’ Notice also how the ‘Apostle of Love’ has no tolerance for those who teach anything other than Christ and obedience to him. Why? Because to ‘tolerate’ false teachings and sinful practices is to make one culpable for the eternal demise of others and to dishonor God. No, true Christians are not always tolerant – they can’t be while remaining in love.
Love and obedience are inseparable. Where you are not obeying, you are unloving.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” As discussed previously, this isn’t just a verbal confession, it is a life profession and vocation (statement and calling) proclaimed by actions. If you don’t live for Jesus, you are anti-Christ, regardless of what you say. If you are not physically gathering with Jesus, you are scattering.
“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Abiding in the teaching is obeying the teaching. Don’t hang out with fake Christians who Jesus calls hypocrites, the Greek word for actors. During hard times, that last thing you need is advice from those who don’t abide in the teachings of Christ. In fact, John warns to avoid the influence of such people in any situation. Pay close attention to who is influencing you in life. “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
2 John 1:12 — Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Current circumstances make it challenging for people to meet in person, and we regularly rely on technology in an effort to remain connected. However, there is no substitute for physically meeting together. Whenever possible, seek personal, face-to-face fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ in order to encourage one another, strengthen one another, and care for one another’s needs. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Note the Bible says, as things get more challenging, we must meet together “all the more.”
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 27 October 2023: Today, focus on trusting God and glorifying God in all your circumstances.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 