I am writing this post on a supposedly ominous date – December 21, 2009 exactly three years before the “doomsday” – December 21, 2012 – predicted by many as the day of the end of the world. So, is 2012 really the end of the world? What does Bible prophecy have to say about it?
The world has enough food for everybody. In spite of this, 1.02 billion people are undernourished and fighting hunger. Though there is food in abundance, everybody does not have equal access to it. So it is an ironic situation today: there is famine in the midst of plenty.
Although increase in war and consequent casualties is a well known fact, let us examine it in greater detail. Look closely at Jesus’ words – you will HEAR of wars and rumors of wars. With the advent of cutting edge technology in the field of communication, it is no longer surprising to us, when we HEAR about conflicts in various parts of the world. News and information travel fast and reach right into our homes for us to see and hear at leisure. However, information does not necessarily mean truth. There is a lot of deception and lies hidden behind the information we receive.
Malachi has used the question and answer method to probe deeply into Israel’s problems of hypocrisy, infidelity, mixed marriages, divorce, false worship and arrogance. Is this list of problems not familiar to the church in modern times?
The reconstruction work of the temple was stopped due to opposition for more than a decade and was then resumed in 520 B.C and completed in 516 B.C. Zechariah encouraged the people to complete their unfinished task. Rather than rebuking them, he encourages them by pointing out the future importance of the temple. The temple had to be built because one day the Messiah’s glory will inhabit it. Sadly, the man who encouraged the temple building was murdered between the temple and the altar
Apparently, the message of Hosea concerning the Day of the Lord is a peaceful one where not only will Israel be reconciled with God but other nations also will have peace on earth. Yahweh will make a covenant with all the creatures of the earth. Also the bow the sword, the two main weapons of Hosea’s day will be abolished so that all may live in safety.
Obadiah is a brief prophetic book that pronounces God’s judgment against the Edomites, ancient enemies of the nation of Israel. A struggle that began in the womb between twin brothers Esau and Jacob eventuates in a struggle between their respective descendants, the Edomites and the Israelites.
Obadiah proclaims that the ‘Day of the Lord’ upon all the nations is near and he has a message from the Lord for us.
Zephaniah’s message has a definite focal point, namely ‘the Day of the Lord’. He uses the expression more often then any other prophet of the Old Testament. The prophet begins with a declaration of universal destruction. God will consume and destroy everything on the face of the earth whether man or beast.
Joel prophesied in the southern kingdom of Judah in the aftermath of invasion by a swarm of locusts, followed by a severe drought. (Joel 1: 2-4) As tragic as this destruction was, Joel declared, it will be nothing compared with the coming Day of the Lord.
Does the book of prophet Amos also convey any message for the end times for us in the contemporary world? Maybe yes,
