Prophecy is an integral part of the Bible, God's inspired revelation to
mankind. Through it God reveals Himself, His plan for humanity and why
we are here.
We strive for security, long for stability and dream of a glowing and
predictable future for ourselves and our posterity. But for most of us
these hopes and desires are far from certain to be realized. Our world
is filled with rapid and often perilous change.
We could easily fall victim to an accident, act of violence, debilitating
disease or natural disaster. The turbulent winds of economic and social
change threaten our financial stability. Wars and acts of terrorism threaten
to endanger the fabric of society and make even more elusive the security
we seek.
Uncertainty is a way of life.
No confidence
Consider today's youth. A lack of confidence in the future is a major
cause of anxiety among teenagers. Thousands are convinced the good life
will evaporate before they're old enough to enjoy it. They crave assurance
and purpose. Nihilism-the absence of confidence and hope in anything-is
epidemic. The staggering number of teen suicides illustrates their disillusionment.
Some vent their anger and frustration by setting up an alternative society
of gangs.
But teens aren't the only ones anxious about their future. Adults turn
to psychics and astrological readings in unprecedented numbers, attempting
to peer into the murkiness of the future. Books about the future are best
sellers. Millions of people long for reassurance that some kind of light
shines at the end of the tunnel. King Solomon's observation that "man is
greatly troubled by ignorance of the future" (Ecclesiastes 8:7, Revised
English Bible) holds true today.
