The Last Days of What?

‘We are living in the last days.’ What does that mean? The term ‘last days’ and ‘the time of the end’ have been in use for a long time (Dan 12:4; 2 Tim 3:1). The prophet Daniel was given visions of world powers and conflicts that would take place between them up until ‘the time of the end.’ He was told that the meaning of these visions would be made clear at the time of the end (Dan 8:17,19;11:35,40; 12:9). Daniel also recorded: “In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will destroy and put to an end these kingdoms and it will stand for ever” (Dan 2:44).

Jesus Christ referred to ‘the end’ when answering a question about “The sign of his coming and the conclusion of the systems of things” (Matt 24:3-42). Evidently both Daniel and Jesus were referring to a finality, a dramatic change that would affect the people who live on the globe. Daniel wrote of the end of all earthly governments. Jesus spoke of “The conclusion of the systems of things.” Should you be concerned? Of course! All mankind should be, as all are involved. Still, many take these matters lightly. The Bible foretold: “In the last days there will be ridiculers, with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying ‘Where is his coming? Why from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are as they were from the creation’” (2 Peter 3:3,4).

Yes, some today feel that history just keeps repeating itself and that life as we know it will go on its way endlessly! But we are in the last days and so need to prepare ourselves for Christs coming.

Bro Ernest Lavuna (Gisambai, Kenya)