Is the end near?

Reading: Job 32-33 and Luke 21

Scripture: Luke 21:12, But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

Thoughts: Most people when looking at the end times talk about Revelation and Daniel both giving some interesting imagery and things that will happen. Here in Luke, Jesus mentions something that will happen and possibly could already be happening. People are being persecuted with physical violence against them all over the world. And it goes on to say that we will be delivered up to synagogues and prisons, this seems to be saying that there will be religious rules placed against us. I do not see these rules coming from within the Judeo-Christian community but I think it will be from the Islamic world. There are communities in the United States where the Islamic community has taken over and is requiring people to live by their laws and be judged by their courts. This sounds like those opposed to Christ taken into synagogues (mosques) to be judged. Let us not be unaware that the enemy is lurking, seeking an opportune moment to come to steal, kill, and destroy.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the creator of all things, you knew me before I was knit together in my mother’s womb. I thank you for the wisdom and knowledge that you give us. I ask that you help us to discern the schemes of the evil one so that we cannot be deceived. Open our eyes to your ways and your plans so that we can continue to overcome those schemes that are formed against us.