Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

II Timothy 3:1, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

This morning, this verse seems to apply more than it did yesterday. Yesterday, it applied more than it did the day before it. Many will try to use this verse (and the verses following) to try to point to some "sign" of the end-times. The verses that follow this one list 19 things that will happen in the last days. All of these 19 things are flashing today. However, they did not start flashing today, yesterday or even 100 years ago. These things have been flashing ever since Christ went back to glory. That is the beginning of the last days, and they have continued ever since.

These characteristics of the last days are not a series of signs that will tell us when the end of the world is imminent. Christ said that the Father only knows of that day and hour when He shall return. Therefore, these things cannot be talking about that. Many (of the pre-milleniallist persuasion) think that the last days are like a light switch being turned on that will set off a series of dominos that will end at the 1000 year reign. Really, this is an improper application.

Being an electrical engineer, I liken it this way: ever since Christ returned to heaven, the last days have shown these 19 characteristics. Over the years, they get worse and worse like a light bulb getting brighter and brighter. Now, a light bulb can shine forth very radiantly (even above the rated voltage and amperage - for a short time). The light bulb of the last days shines brighter and brighter with each generation, but only God knows the moment (wattage) when the light bulb will burst. Things may seem to be horrible and bad (perilous), but perhaps the longsuffering of God will allow the world to stand for a while longer. He and He alone will determine when the bulb will break and time will be no more.

So, instead of trying to guess when that will be, we should prepare for these days, and turn away from such as do these things. These things may weigh upon us as we see the destruction and misery all around us. However, Christ said to not let our hearts be troubled, for He has prepared a place for us and will come get us and bring us to that land where there is no night, suffering, and heartache. Until that day, let us ever press onward in His kingdom, and may we ever strive to be found so doing at His return. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

In Hope,

Bro Philip