Nougat 6

Whether disciples, apostles, first-century converts or Post-Modern time believers, God would have us aware of the Signs pointing to the End. In spite of this, we are not given the actual date for Christ’s return, so we continue to discern the times based on information handed by God’s Spirit and by Jesus. Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“The Spirit clearly says that in latter times some people will turn away from the faith … They will prohibit marriage and eating foods that God created—and he intended them to be accepted with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and have come to know the truth.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Prohibitions

In one sense, the Prohibition era was part of the American experience and it was about liquor liquor consumption. This reference to Prohibition is a bit more rounded as it covers marriage and food. It is therefore a bit easier for us to narrow down the signs.

During my childhood, when talks about ‘The Rapture’ prevailed, I was confident that this Nougat referred to Adventist vs other believers. While this remains a concern – and rightfully so – I have noted that there’s also another issue for our consideration.

Adventist concerns about sacred days stem from their adherence to Jewish Religious law. There are found in the Pentateuch the first five books of the Bible among the stories of the Exodus from Egypt and relocation to the Land of Promises. The prohibition against eating particular animal meats has existed since then, so it would seem to be moot at this time.

Interestingly, there have been several diets promoted in recent years that may cause one to have a moment’s pause. Could they be rehearsals for what is to come? Given the current Climate Crisis and the call for a ban on meat eating – it isn’t healthy for the planet – we may indeed be entering a new era. (Incidentally, technology has advanced to the point where food and meat can be ‘printed’ in 3-D for our consumption.)

Laws regarding marriage vary according to country, and so, in discerning the signs, we may need to be on the lookout for specific laws that denounce marriages. It may be among the arguments currently surrounding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, at which point we are already nearing the final days.

Siblings, what we see are two signs that may already have indicated that we are moving towards the latter days. None of these is globally definitive. There are no direct prohibitions applicable across the globe regarding what we eat, or whether we are permitted to marry. What we do know is what we ought to watch for. So, we watch and pray, recognizing that by God’s guidance and grace we will be ready for Christ’s return.

May we remain prayerfully watching.

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May all we seek be found in Christ