Torn from the Pages of My Personal Journal
I use a simple method for doing daily Bible studies (but sometimes I miss doing one – don’t be fooled by the word “daily”) known as the SOAP method. Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.
This is the first of what I plan to be weekly posts that are more devotional in nature. It’s an inside peak at my personal time with the Lord. Many of these will relate to prophecy and eschatology, but some may cover other topics as the Lord leads. I’m leaving it raw and uncut – so to speak. I’m not editing anything, but just sharing directly what I wrote in my personal journal. I trust the Lord will use it and pray that you get something out of it.
Scripture
Matthew 8:29 – “What do you want with us Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
(Verses 28 and 31 tell us these were demons.)
Observation
These demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God.
They knew their fate was sealed and that they would be punished someday.
They knew there was an appointed time of judgment.
They knew that the appointed time was at a later date.
How did they know there was an appointed time and that it was yet future? Because of Daniel chapter 9 (and other prophecies… yes, demons know Scripture). Just from Daniel 9 they knew that:
- the Messiah still needed to be “cut off”
- the holy city (Jerusalem) still had to be destroyed
- the 2nd temple had to be destroyed
- a 3rd temple had to be built
- and the Abomination of Desolation still had to occur (which will happen 3.5 years into tribulation).
In other words, even the fallen angels were looking carefully at the signs of the times.
Application
God has an appointed time.
Only the Father knows when that is (Matthew 24:36).
If demons watch for the signs of the times, how much more should we?
Our future is guaranteed. We win. We are attached to the winning team.
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust you today and know you are in full control. Help me to trust your timing and rejoice in the fact that your hand is still on the wheel. Help me to recognize you and point others to you and your offer of salvation through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Help me to wait on you, point to you, honor you, and be used by you for your fame and glory. Amen.