DEVOTION – DAY 438

Isaiah 25:1-5 “Living In The End Times”

Isaiah 25:1-5 “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”

In Isaiah Chapter 24, Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would bring about judgement upon the earth. He will devastate the earth, its inhabitants burned up (Isiah 24:6) and cities left in ruins (Isaiah 24:12). But with the judgement comes deliverance. Thus, in Isaiah 25:1-5, Isaiah gives praise to God for His deliverance brought about by God’s judgements. Isaiah prophesied that God will start anew with His people as He has delivered them. They would attend a feast, a banquet (Isaiah 25:6). God will destroy death (Isaiah 25:7-8). This theme would be elaborated on by the apostle John centuries later in the book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible. Isaiah wanted to praise God for He had planned all these things long ago. 

Today, many Christians believe we are living in the end times. God’s judgement will fall upon the earth in the not too distant future. This is because the moral condition of this world has been getting from bad to worse. Celebrities proudly declare that they are transgender, or non-binary, or bisexual, or gay as if they were wearing badges of pride. Politicians have no shame in enriching themselves once they come into power when elected, rather than work hard to serve the people who elected them. The social media is full of lies and images that have been photo-shopped to project unrealistic expectations in people. And children as young as 15 months are becoming addicted to their digital gadgets. People follow false gods of money, fame, position, and power thinking they will find happiness only to be disappointed. More and more people are claiming they have no religion at all. It is no wonder, that God will judge this world and start anew. 

As Christians, we do not lose hope. Instead, we look beyond the inevitable judgement that awaits the earth and its inhabitants, and look forward to a new heaven ad a new earth. We trust in our Savior and Deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ. And whilst we wait for His return, we point all our non-Christian friends and relatives to His saving grace so that they too might escape God’s judgement.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You are our Holy Almighty God. We offer all praise, honor and glory to You. You are faithful and true. Please help us to actively share the gospel to a world that desperately needs to believe in the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Please be gracious and merciful to them. We pray this in the blessed name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. Do you believe we are living in the end times? Why or why not? Discuss.
2. If we are living in the end times, what should be our priorities? Discuss.
3. Who do you know who is not yet a Christian and how can you help him or her to hear the gospel message?