What Time is it?
"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end;
many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase…. And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined,
but the wicked shall do wickedly;
and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand."
Daniel 12:4, 9-10
many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase…. And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined,
but the wicked shall do wickedly;
and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand."
Daniel 12:4, 9-10
Oct. 7th unleashed a spiritual shock wave across the nations. The attacks released what we believe will prove to be a "marked time" in history. There is no question that we are in a new season, a "moed," a set time, if not a new era of eschatological time. Suddenly, the “tick-tock” of the end-time narrative ticked into hearing ears across the globe. The ticker is ticking. Have you heard it? How can we explain such a shift yet stay within the foundations of the scriptures as this reality unfolds before us?
Seasons have come and gone with people thinking this is the time, only to find it is not. None of us will know the time or hour, but certain scriptures help us identify the times and seasons. This is not a message to hang your hat on, but rather provoke us to peer through the window to the future for the patterns and signs to help us discern and navigate the times. In seeking the Lord for the present times, overwhelmingly, I have been drawn to Daniel 12. After describing the end time days in Daniel 12:1-3, the Lord seals the description with an exhortation towards the time of the end, that, if we look closely, carries weight today as follows:
Seasons have come and gone with people thinking this is the time, only to find it is not. None of us will know the time or hour, but certain scriptures help us identify the times and seasons. This is not a message to hang your hat on, but rather provoke us to peer through the window to the future for the patterns and signs to help us discern and navigate the times. In seeking the Lord for the present times, overwhelmingly, I have been drawn to Daniel 12. After describing the end time days in Daniel 12:1-3, the Lord seals the description with an exhortation towards the time of the end, that, if we look closely, carries weight today as follows:
Daniel 12:4, 9-10: But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase… v.9-10 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.
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Seal the book until the time of the end
How do these scriptures describe today? Today, the eschatological revelation is multiplying as we speak. Clarity on the biblical end-time narrative is unfolding at a rapid pace. With 150 chapters of the end-time narrative studied and vetted over the past decade, such knowledge is bursting forth with new and fresh insight. In fact, one of the most powerful fuels for revival is the hope and revelation, in the midst of great turmoil, of the coming King.(1) A God inspired desire to learn and study scriptures on the end-times is underway. This is a God-given inspiration and evidence of a divine release inspiring both students and teachers.
To study the end-time narrative is a vital tool for spiritual health in the present times, lest we give way to the social/cultural narrative and be part of the great falling away. The generation that will see the return of Jesus will see the most pressure from demonic activity and yet the most powerful supernatural interventions by God. What we are seeing in culture and war today could very well be the pressures of this last generation and the "seal" Daniel speaks of being released. At the very least, we are getting closer.
The war in Israel has put us on a trajectory of heavier weight than wars in the past because of Israel's centrality in the end times. Make no mistake, life as usual is beckoning us to shift. By not responding to the times, we may find ourselves in days that Jesus warns us of, But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of man be, (Mt 24:37). I am not saying we are at that time, but the weightiness of this war should have our attention. The intensity and frequency of birth pangs and change will require us to be more alert, lest we fall into the trap of complacency, despair, and more dangerously into the falling away, Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, (2 Thess 2:3).
Many shall run to and fro...
We are in a time when news, and a multiplicity of distracting “noises” can vie for our attention. The “tyranny of the urgent” can slowly fritter away at anyone’s responsibilities, gifts, and callings. What was given by God can end up in the desert as we run “to and fro” responding to distractions. Sitting quietly and soaking in His Presence or going to the prayer meeting at your church quickly lose their place in our priority list. Such activity can vanish with weak excuses and the inability to get out of bed because we have been running so hard or find ourselves lacking spiritual motivation. We are in the season Daniel spoke of many running “to and fro.” There is no condemnation in pointing to this challenge because we have all been there. Rather, the important issue is that we recognize the condition and its impact on our lives.
If we are in a season of the tyranny of the urgent, repent, turn, and seek the Lord. The Word is the most powerful igniter of spiritual fire that there is. We can listen to motivating messages, but ultimately it is God's Word that is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword that will divide the soul and the spirit. (Heb 4:12).
Knowledge shall increase
What time is it? One of the most pointed words describing the times is Daniel 12:4, And knowledge shall increase. These four words describe the present times. There are several studies relaying this race for knowledge. They state the same thing and quote similar studies. In a study frequently mentioned, "Buckminster Fuller spoke of the 'Knowledge Doubling Curve' in 1982:
I submit to you, that there is not one question we have that we could not look up on the internet and find some resource or answer. Knowledge is important for strategic intervention and prayer, however, when it becomes consuming, overwhelming focus, and a source of pride, we will find ourselves eventually running out of steam, and lacking clarity or revelation. Though cell phones and computers have been used mightily to facilitate communication, being absorbed by them can dangerously begin to soak up all our attention and dry up any spiritual reserve.
Sealed until the time of the end
Daniel is speaking of the end times in Daniel 12:1-3. In recent decades there has been a resurgence of interest and release of understanding of the end-time narrative that has been unprecedented. At least 150 chapters in the Bible focused on the end times have been identified and taught in schools. Such revelation is unique to this time and hour. Yes, there are various eschatological views, but consider it all a part of the present times. The interest is escalating to new corporate levels, not just academics. This could very well be a reflection of the release of the sealed books of which Daniel speaks. The book is being opened and God is releasing the revelation to those seeking Him, many will have new mantles of teaching and call to convey it.
Along with the revelation, the end-time role of the watchman is being highlighted as a vital and needed role for the present times. Isaiah 52:8 and 62:6-7 speak to the present call of watchmen.
Many shall be purified, made white, and refined
As times become more challenging, God is purifying His church. Things that have been hidden are being exposed, Lu 12:2. As painful as this unveiling can be, the end goal is to see His Church, His ecclesia, strengthened, and His bride purified and ready. Peter says, For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17). This process is beginning to happen and may reach into churches, denominations, governmental offices, and any route hindering God's purposes. God is cleaning house. The process is underway and He will strengthen that which remains.
Jesus, on a white horse with robes dripped in blood, comes with the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, following Him, (Rev. 19:6). He is after the heart of His bride and the necessary process is happening. Interesting it is both the church in Sardis, the dead church (Rev 3:4), and Laodicea, the Luke-warm church (Rev 3:18), that are given white garments as a promise in overcoming their compromises. Don't be surprised at what springs forth from the unveiling process now underway personally or corporately. What is unveiled is not for pointing fingers (Is. 56:9-12) but should lead to a cry for righteousness and release of revelation that comes from a broken and contrite heart purified in the fire.
Wicked shall do wickedly: rise in deception
It does not take long to look across the cultural horizon, or news, to see a rise in deception. From high level manipulation influencing the national and international scenes, to the war for our individual identity, the enemy is at work to separate us from God and His purposes. Peter warns, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, (1 Peter 5:8). That means you and me. We are in times when the battle is already fierce. The accuser of the brethren is at work to divide nations and people. He will take any open door to separate us from one another and from God.
Deception is emerging internationally as lawlessness, drug addiction, suicide, sexual dysphoria and perversion, and crisis for sound biblical truth in education systems (as samples) war for becoming cultural norms. The list could go on and on. Within this deception is an agonizing loss of the moral compass. Matthew warns and exhorts, Because of the increase of wickedness (lawlessness), the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved, (Mt. 24:12). May we be found faithful to the end and not buying into the trickery of demonic schemes.
The wise will understand: new mantles and turbans released
We are in a time shift. As such, God is releasing new revelation of His Word. The seals being opened release fresh encounters with Him and revelation of His Word. God is releasing new mantles and turbans. A Zechariah 3 process is upon us.
How do these scriptures describe today? Today, the eschatological revelation is multiplying as we speak. Clarity on the biblical end-time narrative is unfolding at a rapid pace. With 150 chapters of the end-time narrative studied and vetted over the past decade, such knowledge is bursting forth with new and fresh insight. In fact, one of the most powerful fuels for revival is the hope and revelation, in the midst of great turmoil, of the coming King.(1) A God inspired desire to learn and study scriptures on the end-times is underway. This is a God-given inspiration and evidence of a divine release inspiring both students and teachers.
To study the end-time narrative is a vital tool for spiritual health in the present times, lest we give way to the social/cultural narrative and be part of the great falling away. The generation that will see the return of Jesus will see the most pressure from demonic activity and yet the most powerful supernatural interventions by God. What we are seeing in culture and war today could very well be the pressures of this last generation and the "seal" Daniel speaks of being released. At the very least, we are getting closer.
The war in Israel has put us on a trajectory of heavier weight than wars in the past because of Israel's centrality in the end times. Make no mistake, life as usual is beckoning us to shift. By not responding to the times, we may find ourselves in days that Jesus warns us of, But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of man be, (Mt 24:37). I am not saying we are at that time, but the weightiness of this war should have our attention. The intensity and frequency of birth pangs and change will require us to be more alert, lest we fall into the trap of complacency, despair, and more dangerously into the falling away, Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, (2 Thess 2:3).
Many shall run to and fro...
We are in a time when news, and a multiplicity of distracting “noises” can vie for our attention. The “tyranny of the urgent” can slowly fritter away at anyone’s responsibilities, gifts, and callings. What was given by God can end up in the desert as we run “to and fro” responding to distractions. Sitting quietly and soaking in His Presence or going to the prayer meeting at your church quickly lose their place in our priority list. Such activity can vanish with weak excuses and the inability to get out of bed because we have been running so hard or find ourselves lacking spiritual motivation. We are in the season Daniel spoke of many running “to and fro.” There is no condemnation in pointing to this challenge because we have all been there. Rather, the important issue is that we recognize the condition and its impact on our lives.
If we are in a season of the tyranny of the urgent, repent, turn, and seek the Lord. The Word is the most powerful igniter of spiritual fire that there is. We can listen to motivating messages, but ultimately it is God's Word that is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword that will divide the soul and the spirit. (Heb 4:12).
Knowledge shall increase
What time is it? One of the most pointed words describing the times is Daniel 12:4, And knowledge shall increase. These four words describe the present times. There are several studies relaying this race for knowledge. They state the same thing and quote similar studies. In a study frequently mentioned, "Buckminster Fuller spoke of the 'Knowledge Doubling Curve' in 1982:
- he suggested that in 1900, human knowledge doubled approximately every 100 years
- by the end of 1945, the rate had come down to every 25 years
- and by 1982, every 13 months
I submit to you, that there is not one question we have that we could not look up on the internet and find some resource or answer. Knowledge is important for strategic intervention and prayer, however, when it becomes consuming, overwhelming focus, and a source of pride, we will find ourselves eventually running out of steam, and lacking clarity or revelation. Though cell phones and computers have been used mightily to facilitate communication, being absorbed by them can dangerously begin to soak up all our attention and dry up any spiritual reserve.
Sealed until the time of the end
Daniel is speaking of the end times in Daniel 12:1-3. In recent decades there has been a resurgence of interest and release of understanding of the end-time narrative that has been unprecedented. At least 150 chapters in the Bible focused on the end times have been identified and taught in schools. Such revelation is unique to this time and hour. Yes, there are various eschatological views, but consider it all a part of the present times. The interest is escalating to new corporate levels, not just academics. This could very well be a reflection of the release of the sealed books of which Daniel speaks. The book is being opened and God is releasing the revelation to those seeking Him, many will have new mantles of teaching and call to convey it.
Along with the revelation, the end-time role of the watchman is being highlighted as a vital and needed role for the present times. Isaiah 52:8 and 62:6-7 speak to the present call of watchmen.
- Isaiah 52:8. Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion.
- Isaiah 62:6-7: I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent and give Him no rest till He makes Jerusalem , a praise in the earth.
Many shall be purified, made white, and refined
As times become more challenging, God is purifying His church. Things that have been hidden are being exposed, Lu 12:2. As painful as this unveiling can be, the end goal is to see His Church, His ecclesia, strengthened, and His bride purified and ready. Peter says, For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17). This process is beginning to happen and may reach into churches, denominations, governmental offices, and any route hindering God's purposes. God is cleaning house. The process is underway and He will strengthen that which remains.
Jesus, on a white horse with robes dripped in blood, comes with the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, following Him, (Rev. 19:6). He is after the heart of His bride and the necessary process is happening. Interesting it is both the church in Sardis, the dead church (Rev 3:4), and Laodicea, the Luke-warm church (Rev 3:18), that are given white garments as a promise in overcoming their compromises. Don't be surprised at what springs forth from the unveiling process now underway personally or corporately. What is unveiled is not for pointing fingers (Is. 56:9-12) but should lead to a cry for righteousness and release of revelation that comes from a broken and contrite heart purified in the fire.
Wicked shall do wickedly: rise in deception
It does not take long to look across the cultural horizon, or news, to see a rise in deception. From high level manipulation influencing the national and international scenes, to the war for our individual identity, the enemy is at work to separate us from God and His purposes. Peter warns, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, (1 Peter 5:8). That means you and me. We are in times when the battle is already fierce. The accuser of the brethren is at work to divide nations and people. He will take any open door to separate us from one another and from God.
Deception is emerging internationally as lawlessness, drug addiction, suicide, sexual dysphoria and perversion, and crisis for sound biblical truth in education systems (as samples) war for becoming cultural norms. The list could go on and on. Within this deception is an agonizing loss of the moral compass. Matthew warns and exhorts, Because of the increase of wickedness (lawlessness), the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved, (Mt. 24:12). May we be found faithful to the end and not buying into the trickery of demonic schemes.
The wise will understand: new mantles and turbans released
We are in a time shift. As such, God is releasing new revelation of His Word. The seals being opened release fresh encounters with Him and revelation of His Word. God is releasing new mantles and turbans. A Zechariah 3 process is upon us.
sIn the passage, Joshua, the high priest, is before the Lord dressed in filthy rags. Satan is beside him taunting him with all kinds of words, likely trying to keep him in his old garments, accusing him of his past, prompting thoughts that cursed him or others. But God has the upper hand and rebukes Satan and calls forth a new mantle and turban on Joshua.
How does this scene look in the natural today? Do you have strongholds that keep cropping up in your life? Doubt, unbelief, frustration, rejection, lack of faith? These are the filthy rags and turban Joshua was wearing that the enemy fostered by continuing to accuse him. Words like, "Who are you to do such a thing? You are not good enough? Remember how you fell short?" These are lies of the accuser spinning its web of lies around you to keep you deceived and separated from God's grace and love. As in Zechariah 3, suddenly, God intervenes. The Word comes alive with a new revelation in you, breaking off the pain of the past and giving you purpose for the future. God desires to break these strongholds cycling within you and give you new turbans-mindsets; and mantles-ways to think and walk to break the past and give you purpose for the future.
Don’t be surprised if you start seeing scriptures in a new light, or circumstances with fresh revelation, or a sudden insight into a troubling situation. Know that God is releasing a new mantle and turban on you and is opening a door for you. The door He opens no man can shut, (Isaiah 22:22). The people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits, (Dan 11:32). When we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, James 4:8. These are His purposes and promises.
Conclusion:
Truly, we are in a new eschatological era. Shift is happening. Pursuing life as usual will quickly move us out of the stream where God is moving. Wars, rumors of war, and judgments are upon us. No matter how difficult things may get, the good news is that God is moving. He is after the heart of the Bride. He is releasing new mantles and turbans to shift us into His promises and purposes for the future. Just as David had to switch plans, thinking, and purposes to escape Saul (1 Sam 24-31), we too need to have a listening ear to His Word and ways to navigate the future. We cannot stay the same and navigate the future. Times have changed requiring us to be the willing vessels who are strong and will do great exploits (Daniel 11:32).
Keys for the times and season:
As times shift, God is raising up watchmen who understand the times and seasons, follow and watch over His covenants, and seek to discern how to respond to the times. No matter how things look in the natural, may He find us ready, shining brightly with oil in our lamps emanating the joy and hope only Jesus can give. Such light will be a sign and a wonder in an increasingly dark world.
Susan Rowe
co-founder The Global Watch
_______________________________________________
(1) Jeff Patterson, "John Wesley and the End Times: What Our Founder thought About the Thousand-Year Reign https://firebrandmag.com/articles/john-wesley-and-the-end-times, Firebrand, August 31, 2020
[2] Jim Carroll, "Trends for 2023: #8 - Knowledge Velocity," https://jimcarroll.com/2022/12/23-trends-for-2023-8-knowledge-velocity/ December 12, 2022
How does this scene look in the natural today? Do you have strongholds that keep cropping up in your life? Doubt, unbelief, frustration, rejection, lack of faith? These are the filthy rags and turban Joshua was wearing that the enemy fostered by continuing to accuse him. Words like, "Who are you to do such a thing? You are not good enough? Remember how you fell short?" These are lies of the accuser spinning its web of lies around you to keep you deceived and separated from God's grace and love. As in Zechariah 3, suddenly, God intervenes. The Word comes alive with a new revelation in you, breaking off the pain of the past and giving you purpose for the future. God desires to break these strongholds cycling within you and give you new turbans-mindsets; and mantles-ways to think and walk to break the past and give you purpose for the future.
Don’t be surprised if you start seeing scriptures in a new light, or circumstances with fresh revelation, or a sudden insight into a troubling situation. Know that God is releasing a new mantle and turban on you and is opening a door for you. The door He opens no man can shut, (Isaiah 22:22). The people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits, (Dan 11:32). When we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, James 4:8. These are His purposes and promises.
Conclusion:
Truly, we are in a new eschatological era. Shift is happening. Pursuing life as usual will quickly move us out of the stream where God is moving. Wars, rumors of war, and judgments are upon us. No matter how difficult things may get, the good news is that God is moving. He is after the heart of the Bride. He is releasing new mantles and turbans to shift us into His promises and purposes for the future. Just as David had to switch plans, thinking, and purposes to escape Saul (1 Sam 24-31), we too need to have a listening ear to His Word and ways to navigate the future. We cannot stay the same and navigate the future. Times have changed requiring us to be the willing vessels who are strong and will do great exploits (Daniel 11:32).
Keys for the times and season:
- Align with Jesus and His nature. Developing the character and nature of Jesus will lead to a fresh boldness in responding to our circumstances.
- Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”
- Overcome obstacles that hinder our relationship with God.
- Rev 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."
- John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
- Repentance is key to unlocking zeal. True repentance will break off assignments of complacency and spiritual slumber.
- 2 Cor 7:11 “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
- Live in a lifestyle of constant forgiveness. This is a foundational characteristic of a healthy Ekklesia and prevent offense from stealing our love and compassion.
- Mt. 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
- Mt. 24:10-11 "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."
- Agreement is an essential quality of healthy Ekklesia. United prayer is more than agreeing on a prayer request. It is about being knit together in such a way that every joint supplies and is equipped.
- Eph 4:16 “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
- God’s covenant and eternal plan for Israel will be a clear redemptive perspective for prayer.
- Jeremiah 31:34 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
- Educate yourself in the end-time narrative. Such understanding is a must in order not by swayed by secular narratives and deception.
- 1 Timothy 4:1-5 "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
- Be an ardent messenger of the Gospel, ready to spread the hope that is in you.
- 1 Peter 3:14-17 "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. "
- NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
- Heb 12:1-2 "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
As times shift, God is raising up watchmen who understand the times and seasons, follow and watch over His covenants, and seek to discern how to respond to the times. No matter how things look in the natural, may He find us ready, shining brightly with oil in our lamps emanating the joy and hope only Jesus can give. Such light will be a sign and a wonder in an increasingly dark world.
Susan Rowe
co-founder The Global Watch
_______________________________________________
(1) Jeff Patterson, "John Wesley and the End Times: What Our Founder thought About the Thousand-Year Reign https://firebrandmag.com/articles/john-wesley-and-the-end-times, Firebrand, August 31, 2020
[2] Jim Carroll, "Trends for 2023: #8 - Knowledge Velocity," https://jimcarroll.com/2022/12/23-trends-for-2023-8-knowledge-velocity/ December 12, 2022