Why Study Prophecy? Part 4

Why Study Prophecy? Part 4

After I sent out the last devotion which mentioned the greedy wolves, a good friend of mine gave me a great reminder that is worth noting here. The enemy wants us to look like idiots. We talked about how the greedy wolves exploit the sheep, but that isn’t the only useful tool he finds in them. He also uses them to cause the sheep to become calloused and thus, lazy regarding studying the Word. The world laughs at us because every time there’s a date set and nothing happens we look stupid and untrustworthy. That leads many to ask why would anyone want to be a Christian? So our adversary, the devil, has covered every area of deceit, using those within the Church and those without Christianity. This is all the more reason why we must be diligent in studying all of the Word.

I connected something else this week that has given me much pause. In Matthew 25, we see the parable of the talents. I used to always picture this being our money or the actual talents/gifts the Lord has given us. However, I had another thought this week. Our talent is something of value. Let’s consider the Word of God here. In America, most people who claim to be saved have access to multiple bibles within their own homes. With the resources available online, we have unlimited access to the Word. But what do we do with that talent? Do we hide it away and never look at it?

What do you do with your talent? Do you study diligently so that the Word will grow in your life? Do you share what the Lord is teaching you so that others can learn from you? Or do you just bury it, thinking it’s really not all that important? We can take this a step further. What do you do with the prophecy parts of the Bible? In a world of chaos, filled with false teachers, are you seeking to understand prophecy? Do you seek to keep yourself and others from being led astray?

God has given us these “talents,” and He expects us to put them to good use. In the parable of the talents, there was one who hid his talent. Jesus called him lazy and worthless, then said some very sobering words. “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:29-30, NASB)

May it never be said of us that we are lazy and worthless when it comes to being students of the Word! In these dark days, let us endeavor to add to our knowledge of the Word and learn more about our loving, gracious, merciful Savior so that we grow wise with His wisdom. That wisdom will safely guide us in these dark days until we we reach our heavenly home.