It would be tough to choose the proverbial "story of the year." I reviewed many stories of 2013 here as they concerned Bible prophecy. Hear our current radio program on this topic here or here.   

There is an ominous reminder in II Timothy 3 revealing man's end-time character. There it says, "But realize this, that in the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power. Avoid such men as these."

Not one negative character trait is left out! Is it any wonder the Bible asks Christians to be salt and light to preserve society from a complete collapse?

But my focus on end-time absurdity really isn't on those who fulfilled the above verses in 2013 such as Martin Bashir, Hillary Clinton ("what difference does it make?") Alex Baldwin, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Anthony Weiner, the IRS, the NSA, Bashir Assad, al Qaeda, Mahmoud Abbas, Rob Bell, Iran and North Korea's brutal leaders, John Kerry, Kathleen Sibelius, and too many more to extend this list.  It was tough to watch these and more enjoy their seared consciences and pathologically lie and deceive. It was shocking and sobering.

But the most shocking was the adulation shown by Barbara Walters towards Barack Obama: "We thought he was going to be - I shouldn't say this at Christmastime, but - the next messiah." 

The Continued Longing for a "Mr. Fix-It:

As individual, national, and international debt grows, the world longs for "a man with a plan." Before his election in 2008 and inauguration in 2009, there were hundreds of Web sites that suggested Barack Obama was "messiah-like," if not the actual "messiah."  Women fainted at his appearance.

To many, reality doesn't matter. Some still adore him even though he is credited with "the lie of the year."

Mel Gibson fueled the "Mr. Fix-It" longings by stating in October, "Someone must arise from the ashes and save us."  It matters not that man's character has sunk to new lows. The point is, things are a mess and even a flawed, highly imperfect person, might be able to pull off the supernatural. 

Barbara Walters still hopes Barack Obama will at least be "messiah-like," in spite of his serial lying, scheming, conniving, and back room deals.  Walters reminded Piers Morgan that Obama still has three more years, so maybe he can redeem himself (and reveal that he is the "messiah"). Today's "messiahs" can have failures, moments of weakness, and serious flaws.

What About the True Messiah?

The true Messiah does not!  That is what we can rejoice in rather than wallowing in the wretched character of 21^st Century mankind. The prophet Isaiah says in chapters 52 and 53 that the true Messiah will bring justice to all nations; He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; He has taken the iniquity of all of us on Himself; He went like a lamb to the slaughter; He will bear all our iniquities as the suffering servant.

The true Messiah is God come down to earth! He would turn many away from sin and to righteousness. He is to be our "wonderful counselor" and "Prince of Peace." He speaks with authority with words from God (and they are not lying words.) He would be humble and not draw attention to Himself. He is to be the sin bearer for all mankind!

That is the true Messiah. Barbara Walters, dream on, but you are light years off base. Come meet the real Messiah while there is still time! It is running out.

He really could return in 2014.

 Consider a year-end donation to Olive Tree Ministries here, or call us until 8 p.m. today at 763-559-4444. Any gift postmarked December 31 will be credited to 2013 giving. 

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES SPRING 2014

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Eric Barger

Anita Dittman

No cost * No registration 

 Grace Church, Eden Prairie, MN

(outside of Minneapolis, MN)