Discerning The Times!

Focus Scripture:

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” — Romans 13:11 (KJV)

Devotional Reflection:

As I sit down to write this morning, I am deeply burdened with the desire to raise awareness about the era in which we are living. Many believers sense the urgency of the times but choose, for various reasons, to remain silent. Some even wonder: Are we living in the tribulation? While I do not believe we are there just yet, it is coming—faster than many of us anticipated.

The Bible urges us to be spiritually awake and alert. Romans 13:11 reminds us that our salvation is nearer now than ever before. The signs around us are not random—they are markers, calling us to draw closer to Christ and prepare our hearts for His return.

While news outlets like The New York Times report on global unrest, such as Israel’s military engagements and rising international tensions, many believers fail to see the prophetic weight of these headlines. In Matthew 16:2–4, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their failure to recognize the signs of their time, even though they could interpret the weather. His question echoes to us today: “Can ye not discern the signs of the times?”

One powerful moment of divine urgency is captured in Revelation 14:6:

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth…”

It is extraordinary that an angel is chosen to preach the gospel. Typically, God entrusts this mission to humans. But this scene highlights how critical the moment is—God dispatches a heavenly messenger to declare the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, and language. The angel’s message is not one of condemnation, but of direction: to revere God instead of the Antichrist, to give glory to the Lord, and to embrace the everlasting gospel.

The Greek word for “gospel,” euangelion, means “good news.” And that good news is this: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. The full gospel is not merely a warning of judgment—it is a call to salvation. It tells the story of grace, mercy, and redemption for all who believe. As believers, we are God's chosen vessels to proclaim this truth. Whether through preaching, teaching, or daily conversation, we carry a sacred responsibility. In this critical hour, let us not be silent. Let us rise up, discern the times, and boldly share the hope found in Christ alone.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for awakening my heart to the urgency of this hour. Help me to be alert, watchful, and faithful to Your call. Give me boldness to speak Your truth and share the gospel with love and conviction. May I not be silent when the world needs Your voice the most. Equip me, Holy Spirit, to discern the times and to live each day with purpose, proclaiming the name of Jesus until He returns. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.