Tag: End Times Prophecy

The Cosmic Deadline

In the book of Joel, we are given a prophetic glimpse of the final days—a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all people, and the clock will start ticking toward the ultimate “Day of the Lord.” We’ve already seen part of this prophecy fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2, when the Spirit of God empowered His people for the work of the Gospel. But Joel’s prophecy also speaks of cosmic signs and an impending day of judgment that has yet to come. The sun will go dark, the moon will turn to blood, and the heavens will shake. These aren’t just apocalyptic images—they are a reminder that God’s timeline is moving forward, and the window for repentance, faith, and action is shrinking.

This cosmic deadline should stir us from complacency. The same Spirit that was poured out at Pentecost still empowers us today for the work God has called us to. We’re not meant to be idle as the clock ticks down. We’re meant to be a people on mission, using every moment to live for Christ, to share the Gospel, and to shine light in a world that’s growing darker. The day of reckoning will come, but until then, we have a job to do.

The Spirit wasn’t given to us just to make us feel better or give us supernatural gifts for personal gain. He was poured out to equip us for the last days—to reach the lost, to live boldly for Christ, and to advance the Kingdom before time runs out. The cosmic signs Joel describes aren’t just about judgment; they’re a wake-up call to urgency. We’re living in the final act of God’s redemptive plan, and we’ve been handed the tools and the Spirit to make an eternal impact.

So, what are we doing with our time? Are we living as if the deadline is real? Are we using the power of the Spirit to fulfill the mission Jesus gave us—to make disciples, to love radically, to stand firm in the truth?

The clock is ticking, and the cosmic deadline approaches. Now is the time to let the Spirit move through us, to work without distraction, and to embrace the urgency of the Gospel. Let’s not wait for the sun to darken or the moon to turn to blood before we take action. The time is now. The Holy Spirit is with us. Let’s press forward and finish the work we’ve been called to do!

Son of Man — What Does THAT Mean?

During today’s reading, I again noticed Ezekiel being constantly referred to as the “son of man.” So I would like to briefly explore what this phrase means, where we see it in Scripture, and why it is significant.

In the case of Ezekiel, “son of man” is meant to underscore his human frailty and his role as a representative of the people. Over 90 times, God addresses Ezekiel with this title, reminding him of his position as a mortal messenger delivering divine words. Ezekiel’s use of “son of man” connects him to the people of Israel, highlighting that, like them, he is a mere human with a responsibility to share God’s message, particularly concerning personal responsibility for sin and repentance (Ezekiel 33:10-20).

The title “son of man” also appears in Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” is depicted as a divine figure who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. This vision is messianic, pointing to a figure who will rule over all nations, and it is this aspect of the title that Jesus refers to when He calls Himself the “Son of Man.” His audience would have understood the profound implications of this self-designation, recognizing it as a claim to divine authority and fulfillment of the messianic prophecy.

So what does recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” mean for us today? This title carries profound implications for our lives and calls us to action in several key ways:

First, it reminds us that Jesus identifies with us. As the “son of man” from Ezekiel, Jesus shared in our humanity. He experienced the trials, temptations, and sufferings that we face. This means that when we struggle, we can turn to Jesus, knowing that He understands our pain. This shared experience is not just a point of empathy but a call for us to lean on Him in our weakness. We are encouraged to follow His example, living a life of obedience and reliance on God even in the face of suffering.

Second, it emphasizes Jesus’ authority. As the “son of man” from Daniel, He is the one given all power and dominion. This recognition demands our submission to His lordship. Jesus is not just a compassionate friend but the sovereign ruler of all creation. Our response should be one of reverence, acknowledging His authority in every aspect of our lives. This calls us to obedience, aligning our wills with His and allowing His authority to guide our decisions, actions, and attitudes.

Third, it assures us of God’s faithfulness. The “Son of Man” in Daniel’s vision is a direct prophecy of Jesus, who came once as foretold and will return on the clouds in glory. This fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. He is true to His word, having already accomplished what He promised and guaranteeing that He will fulfill the rest in due time. This gives us great hope, especially in challenging times, knowing that God’s plans are sure and trustworthy. For those who trust in Him, this is a source of deep comfort. However, it also serves as a sober warning to those who live in rebellion, as God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Our response should be one of faith, trusting in God’s promises, and living in a way that reflects our confidence in His faithfulness.

Finally, we are reminded of our personal responsibility. As emphasized in Ezekiel 33:10-20, we are accountable for our actions and decisions. Recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” calls us to examine our lives, repent where necessary, and live in a way that honors God. This responsibility is not burdensome but a response to the grace and truth that we have received in Christ. It challenges us to live out our faith actively, taking seriously the call to follow Jesus in every area of our lives.

In sum, acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of Man” is more than just an intellectual assent; it is a transformative recognition that should shape how we live, think, and relate to God and others.