July 4: AT THAT TIME… (part 2)

At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and the Prince of princes (Daniel 8:25). The humble carpenter who lived in Nazareth (see Mark 6:2-4) is the builder and maker (Hebrews 11:10) of the heavenly city, the city of peace which is called the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2 – see also Hebrews 12:22; 13:14).

And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. All three sections of this statement must be taken into account in order to make a clear distinction from the 1260-year time of trouble known as the Dark Ages; this earlier period of papal supremacy had a distinctive beginning and end (538-1798). But the final phase of Rome’s dominion, which comes after the complete healing of the deadly wound inflicted upon the papacy, will be utterly crushed – not by any human means (Daniel 8:25) – but by the command of God at a time of His choosing (Matthew 24:36). This time of trouble is also known as the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1). These plagues will be poured out (16:1) upon the earth without mercy (James 2:13).

Just before God rescued His people out of Egypt, there were ten plagues. Make note that the first three (Exodus 7:17-8:20) of those ten were experienced by both the Israelites and the Egyptians. This provides a picture of the trials and testing experienced by both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). But the last seven plagues were experienced only by the Egyptians. And this – make note – while the Israelites were still in the country. God’s people will still be on the earth during the seven last plagues. Right now*, it may be difficult to distinguish between wheat and tares (Matthew 13:30). But at that time, God will make it easy to discern between the righteous and the wicked (Malachi 3:18).

So shall it be with the seven last plagues poured out upon the unrepentant of the earth. God’s people will still be on the earth at that time. Psalm 91 was especially inspired for God’s faithful who are subjected to severe trials. Be sure to read of the marvelous divine protection that He provides.

Just before Michael shall stand up, the true servants of God will be sealed on their foreheads by a special end-time sealing, with the seal of the living God (Revelation 6:16-7:3). They will remain righteous and holy, by the Holy Spirit’s power, while the unjust and filthy will remain so, for having rejected the leading of the Holy Spirit (see Revelation 22:11).

*Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5