Observing the Vision of the Last Days

Paul tells Timothy “that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”—2 Timothy 3:1-5, New Living Translation

Perhaps Paul is looking back to Proverbs Chapter 29 and verse 18 where Solomon is writing prophetically saying “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law.” When we include verse 16 with verse 18, we get a clear vison and timing of what Paul calls the last days: “When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall. When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.”—NLT

According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word in Prov. 29:18 translated “vision” is H2372 châzôn (khaw-zone’) and means “a sight mentally, revelation, dream, or oracle.” The meaning of vision here in Proverbs is a prophecy and all Biblical prophecy is from God.

With the vision so clearly stated, why doesn’t mankind recognize their sin-sick condition, repent and turn to the Lord? We are told by our Lord Jesus that at this time, the deep things of God are meant for those in relationship with Jehovah. Jesus told his disciples, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. … This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’” (Matthew 13:11,14-15 NLT) Here, Jesus was quoting from Isaiah 6:9-10. Just think of how far the hearts of the Israelites were from God when while expecting the Messiah, they could not recognize Jesus as he walked among them. How much worse is the condition of the people in our day!

When Jesus was asked for a sign, he told the scribes and Pharisees that they were an “evil generation.” (Luke 11:29) He added that in the days of his return or the last days, it would be like in the days of Noah and Sodom. Mankind will be drinking, taking in marriage and doing all sorts of immoral acts and they will not see their destruction or repent of their ways. (Luke 17:26-33). Daniel adds, “the wicked will not understand the vision but the wise will understand.”—Daniel 12:10

Thus, to all those who would desire to be of the wise class spoken of by Daniel, and to understand the vision or prophecy of these last days, you must come into covenant relationship with the Heavenly Father, be found desiring to understand God’s word, striving to develop a Christ-like character and following the law of Love. These will be able to observe, through the calamity, the signs of the establishment of Christ’s kingdom here on earth and have great joy.—Psalm 50:5; 2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 2:5; Romans 13:1

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A Word in Disarray

Artificial Intelligence vs the Mind of God

One of the most discussed topics in today’s world of technology is Artificial Intelligence, often referred to simply by its initials “AI.” Briefly stated, Artificial Intelligence is defined as the ability of machines to perform tasks that are typically associated with human thinking and intellect. Whether we realize it or not, most of us are users of AI in some limited way. When we search the Internet, watch a YouTube video, shop on Amazon, use voice recognition tools such as Siri and Alexa, or operate a self-driving car, we are often influenced, unknowingly perhaps, by Artificial Intelligence.

Such uses, as well as others, can prove to be of assistance to people in today’s technology-focused world. However, there are limitations to the value and validity of Artificial Intelligence applications. These limitations stem primarily from the fact that, ultimately, humans are responsible for the decisions made by AI systems. Are these decisions fair, ethical, transparent, and accountable? Humans must also take responsibility for any “unintended consequences” from AI systems’ failures. In many cases, such shortcomings of an AI application may require only minor adjustments. However, in a worst-case scenario, an AI failure could be catastrophic for an individual or for the masses.

At a more detailed level, the limitations of Artificial Intelligence can best be identified in three ways.  First, an AI system, developed and “trained” by humans, is only as good as the initial data put into it to act as its training. AI decisions and actions can be biased or flawed if the data it is given by their human trainers is likewise biased or flawed. Second, AI lacks emotional intelligence since it cannot factor human emotions, sentiments and mindsets into its decision-making. Third, although organizations are increasingly mindful of the need for adopting AI innovation, they often fail to approach it from a strategic, business-model, point of view.

The bottom line regarding Artificial Intelligence is that, given the limited and often faulty nature of human reasoning in this present sinful world, faith in the benefits of AI comes with a host of restrictions and cautions.

On the other hand, faith in the Almighty God of the Bible, the Creator of the universe, should be unwavering and limitless. God’s supreme intelligence, as well as his perfect character in the use of that intelligence, is not only far above that of any AI application, but also, far superior to any human mind which has designed these systems.

We note these powerful Scriptures: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8,9) “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” (Rom. 11:33,34) “Where wast thou [Job] when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof?”—Job 38:4-6

Thanks be to God that there neither has been, nor ever will be, any “unintended consequences” from the results of his intelligence. It is based upon his four supreme and unwavering character attributes: his foundation of justice, his infinite wisdom, his boundless love, and his almighty power. Indeed, “Faith can firmly trust him, come what may!”

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