FRIDAY, JUNE 29
Daniel 12:5-7
Matthew 23:37-39

“… Blessed is he that cometh in
the name of the Lord.”

HOW LONG SHALL IT BE?

As we follow the fascinating unfolding of Daniel’s prophecies, one question must constantly come to mind: “How long shall it be?” Two heavenly visitors, one on either side of the river Tigris, were similarly interested. One of them addressed the one clothed in linen, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” (Dan 12:6). Back came the answer: “… it shall be for a time, times, and an half …” (Dan 12:7). By this we are further reminded that the duration “of these wonders” (Dan 12:6) will be three-and-a-half years (i.e. the duration of the Antichrist and his atrocities against God’s people).

The second part of the answer (in Dan 12:7) from the man clothed in linen revealed that when “the power of the holy people (Israel)” has been completely shattered, then it will be the end. This means that the end will come with the complete destruction of the power of God’s people during the Great Tribulation.

For all their sins, God would reward them with fearful retribution as foretold by Moses, and by the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Zechariah again and again. The prophetic events of Daniel’s seventieth week are not a random happening, but divinely foreordained in the mind of God. Our Lord confirmed all that the OT prophets foretold. His Olivet Discourse (Matt 24-25) is unmistakable. Finally, John’s Revelation climaxes with the same message to end-time believers.

Our Lord wept for His people and city (read Matt 23:37-39). The Jews stoned their prophets, crucified their Messiah, crying “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matt 27:25). Indeed they shall pay dearly for these words. God’s instruments of chastisement shall scatter all their power of pride and self-sufficiency, and cause their eyes to be opened (Rom 11:26).

THOUGHT: How long shall it be to the beginning of the end?
PRAYER: Father, I pray for the salvation of Jerusalem.