AUG 15

Daniel 2:31-34
Memorise 1 John 2:18-29
“even now are there many antichrists”

IS THE SCENE BEING SET FOR ARMAGEDDON?

God will judge this wicked world on that final day. How will it come about? For answers let us visit three prophets in the Bible: the prophets Daniel, Ezekiel, and John.

In Daniel 2:31-34, we see Nebuchadnezzar’s image speaking of 6 kingdoms in world history—4 have passed, the 5th is now here, the 6th and final one will come soon. The dream is interpreted from verse 36 onwards. Let us review the dream: we have (1) the head of gold which is the Babylonian empire (Daniel 2:37-38), (2) breast/arms of silver which is the Medo-Persian empire (2:39), (3) the belly/thighs of brass which is the Grecian empire (2:39), (4) the legs of iron which is the Roman empire (2:40), the (5) feet/toes of clay and iron which is the Revived Roman empire (2:41-43), and ultimately (6) the Stone from heaven which is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who will set up His kingdom on earth (2:44).

Today, we see the emergence of a revived Roman empire: European Union and USA—partly strong and partly broken (2:42). Partly strong because they are the political/economic/military superpowers of the world and yet vulnerable; partly broken because they are no longer united under one emperor—Caesar, but under many kings. They are united and yet divided.

From this revived Roman Empire will come the Antichrist. John tells us in 1 John 2:18, “Little children it is the last time: and as ye have heard that the Antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time”. This Antichrist will succeed in bringing about world peace—but it is a self-serving and temporary peace. The turmoil in the world today is due to the trouble we see in the Middle East, between Israel and the Palestinians and Arabs. Whether one likes it or not, it all boils down to Israel. Israel is the centre and cause of it all. Israel is the key to understanding prophetic Scripture. When we read the news and hear of all the conflicts going on in the Middle East, realize that we are reading of the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy!

Thought: The Antichrist is a man of blasphemy (666) who makes himself God.
Prayer: Lord, save me from the many antichrists that are in the world today.