by Pastor Daniel

Introduction
At such a time like this, when we have so many questions, we wonder what God is doing.  It is good to have question in order to discern the will of God.
 
In I Chronicles 12:32, there was a tribe who was loyal to King David and what was described of this tribe is wonderful;
“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.”
 
Being able to discern the will of God, enables one to also respond and be obedient.  Do we know the signs of the times today? 
 
Jesus’ Prediction
In Matthew 24:4-30, Jesus spoke of the signs of the last days.  We are indeed in the last days.  What are those signs? There is a list of them, namely;

• Deception =  “many will come and claim to be the Messiah”
• Wars =  :you will hear of wars and threats of wars"
• Famines =  “there will be famines”
• Earthquakes =   “earthquakes in many parts of the world”
• Persecution  =  “you will be arrested, persecuted and killed.”
• Apostasy  =   “Many will turn away from me”
• Sin =  “sin will be rampant”
• Apathy =   “the love of many will grow cold”
• Evangelism  =  “the good news of the Kingdom will be preached everywhere”

 
These are some of the signs that we are told.  Putting them in line to what is happening today, we know how close the end times are.    Everything mentioned above is taking place in parts.  The fulfillment is sure to come.
 
We are not left in the dark, but are prophesies meant to cause fear?  Even in the midst of those troubled times are these words of our Lord;
“Don’t be deceived” = be alert!
“Don’t panic” = have faith!
“People will hear the good news” = have hope!
 
Our part: PRAY, PREPARE, PLAN
As in the tribe of Issachar, they not only know and understand the signs but  they also know what Israel would have to do.  That is where understanding should lead us.
 
So what do we discern as we listen to our Lord predicting the future and the end times?
 
As we look at the pandemic, we know we should also embrace the posture of being ALERT, to have FAITH and to serve with HOPE, because God is with us.
 
Let us all look at the signs and discern the ways of God. (From a zoom session with Haggai International)
 
1.      Shaken Economy
We all know that after this pandemic, things will never be the same again.  I read that in Malaysia we are already experiencing about 1 million people losing their job.  The whole world is experiencing great level of unemployment.  The times are going to be tough.  Industries are shutting down, airports are empty, hotels are closing.  What does this tell us?  We have to look up to God because God has promised to be our Provider, the Jehovah Jireh.  Have faith!
 
2.      Social Changes
Everyone is talking about staying at home as much as possible.  Continue to practice social distancing.  There will be a quantum change in our social interaction post covid.  It cannot be like the past where great social gathering is a sight to behold.  People will be distancing themselves further.  We will grow to become more “lovers of self”.  That is how society will be shaping our behavior.  How then are we going to interact?  We are moving from the physical to the virtual.  We are even getting use to interacting via the social media.  Can we still be in touch with people - expressing concern and love and encouragement?  Are we feeling that need to reach out or are we closing ourselves even more?  Be Alert!
 
3.      Spiritual Awakening
As we go through all these changes, the one thing that would touch everyone despite all the technologies and advancement is the void within the human heart.  There will be an awakening in the hearts of man.  Jesus said that the good news of the Kingdom will be preached and all nations will hear it.  That is already happening because we hear of how people are looking for hope.  They will turn everywhere and anywhere they think there is hope.  Are we there for them?  It is not all that bleak after all.  God is working out his purpose - that all mankind will turn to him.  Have Hope!
 
4.      Super Technology
The last thing I would like to share is the move from high tech to super tech.  What we think is advance today will soon be found in the musuem.  I was watching a video clip exposing some teenagers to the old computers with CRT monitors, running windows 95 and going into the internet via the modem.  They were lost and could not believe how ancient it was.  Their label - this is a very old dinosaur.  That is how fast the world is moving.  Are we catching up with them too.  We must begin to see how we can use this to our advantage.  When the Lord said that the good news will be preached throughout the whole world, - it is becoming a reality.  People are wanting to hear and we have the means to declare it.  Online services have more audience than ever before.  What else could we do?  PRAY, PREPARE AND PLAN.
 
CONCLUSION
As we understand the signs of the last days, let us be alert, have faith and ignite hope.  As I have mentioned, prophecies are not meant to cause us fear, but to know that God is only fulfilling his grand purpose for this world.  As such, my dear brothers, it is not for us to be depressed but a time for all of us to PRAY, PREPARE AND PLAN.  Let us be people who are ready when the Lord returns for us.  Hallelujah, Maranatha! (Come, our Lord!)  God bless.