Why is it that people are so interested in biblical prophecy? Perhaps it’s the wonder of knowing what will happen in the future or just genuine curiosity. But when it comes to my personal interest in the subject, I’d have to say that it hasn’t been very important to me. Even after studying the details of the end times, I was left with the thought that it really wasn’t that important. My thinking was, “Sure, it’s good to know that everything turns out well in the future, but why keep studying all the details?”
All that changed after my recent perusal of Dr. Michael Barrett’s introduction to the book of Daniel. While explaining his purpose for writing, he gives four well thought out reasons why studying prophecy is important. They make a good deal of practical sense to me and I hope they are a blessing to you today.
- Prophecy glorifies God by indicating that He is in control (Isaiah 41:25; 44:28).
- Prophecy encourages believers by inspiring confidence (lion’s den and fiery furnace).
- Prophecy intensifies the desire for God’s will by increasing expectant hope (Luke 2:25-26, 38).
- Prophecy motivates sinners to repentance and saints to purity by encouraging holiness (Joel 2:12-13; 2 Pet. 3:11).
Barrett, Michael P. V., God’s Unfailing Purpose, (Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2003), 6-7.
