Sunday: Hope in the Time of Trouble

Daily Lesson for Sunday 23rd of June 2024

Read Revelation 22:11-12; Daniel 12:1-2; and Jeremiah 30:5-7. What events occur just before the Second Advent?

The close of human probation is followed by a time of trouble “ ‘such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time.’ ” Revelation 16:1-21 describes seven last plagues that will be poured out on the wicked world.

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But, as with the plagues that fell on Egypt, God’s people will be shielded from them. Note the promise in Daniel: “ ‘And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book’ ” (Daniel 12:1, NKJV). This must be referring to the “book of life” (see Philippians 4:3; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:12,15; Revelation 22:19). If we have stayed faithful to Jesus, our names will not be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5).

Read 1 John 3:1-3, John 8:29, and John 14:30. What is the only sufficient preparation for the coming time of trouble?

In the time of trouble, God’s people have a personal relationship with Jesus so deep that nothing can change it. Their consummate desire is to please Him in all things so that, through the work of the Holy Spirit, they will be as pure as He is pure. There was nothing in Christ’s heart that responded to Satan’s deceptions. We can reflect this aspect of His character, as well.

Read Psalms 27:5, Psalms 91:1-11, and Revelation 3:10-12. What reassuring promises does God give us for the time of trouble?

There are some who have misunderstood the concept of living through the time of trouble without a mediator. Jesus ceases His mediation in heaven’s sanctuary when everyone has made their final decision for or against Him. But this does not mean we are alone during this time, trusting our own strength. Jesus has assured us He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). Faith trusts when it cannot see and believes even when the world around us is falling apart. During the time of trouble, our faith strengthens and our longing for eternity increases so that our one desire is to live forever with Jesus.