Daniel 11:31-33 English Standard Version

31 Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. 32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. 33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder.

A word standing alone will offer an opportunity for some to say, “It has passed and we are in the future.” Others might say it is happening now. Only by taking God’s Word in total context can we discover where we stand in relationship to future events.

Jesus was asked about the end of an age but His answer was prefaced. All the things He predicted were just signs of the beginning of the end.

Matthew 24:8 English Standard Version (ESV) All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“And then” Jesus goes on to say “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.”

Once again there will be those who say “It has happened in the past.” Others will say it is happening now. The Word will reveal the truth only in the total context of all that He has said, not in just one or two lines of text.

It is not my intention to teach you about him in Daniel 11:31. It is for the total Word of God to reveal to each of us what is needed, when it is needed and perhaps with any luck to understand the purpose for His plans for each of us.

We know what the end is going to be. If we did not know that when we came to Christ we should know that if we have been with Him for any length of time.

The translation to the incorruptible form and to join Him at the wedding feast is in our future. That I am sure about.

If anyone out there is not sure, do not take my word for it, believe His Word.

Go read the whole truth, all of it. Then read it again.

Matthew 22:15-17 English Standard Version

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

As a disciple of Jesus Christ what does He have to teach us now?

In searching out an answer it is amazing how His critics address Jesus during His earthly ministry. In verse 16 they say “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” If they know He is true and teaches the way of God truthfully and is not influenced by the opinion of others, why ask anything of Him? Why not just believe Him?

Considering that Jesus Christ has ascended to the throne and is the Lord of all, what does he have to teach us from that position? In all honesty He has delegated that role to the Holy Spirit whom He left with us to fulfill all things, including instruction.

Here we can discover one aspect of relational development. When we are known to the world for being disciples of Jesus Christ, we will be treated as He was treated.

Romans 16:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Smooth talkers walk among us and we must listen carefully to discover if they are in fact disciples of Christ or serving their own agendas. Not everyone who opposes us as followers of Christ will confront us by challenging our understanding.

It is permissible to question ourselves about our understanding as long as we are willing to allow His Word to explain the truth. We can believe Him without having every question answered.

John 6:35 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Believe and be satisfied.