Our world is changing fast because technology is advancing at an exponential rate. For instance, the speed and power of computers have generally doubled every one-and-a-half to two years since the 1960s and 70s. That pace of development will only continue. Google “ChatGPT” for a recent example of a breakthrough technology.
These developments bring a scriptural prophecy to mind. The angel Michael says this to Daniel in Dan 12:4:
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Observe that Michael connects the proliferation of learning with the end times. Before, during, or around the time of the end “knowledge shall increase.” I believe that Daniel writes about the exponential growth of technology that we see today.
Let me be clear: I am not saying that the end is nigh. Jesus can come at any time, and I’m not a doom’s day prophet. The eschaton might happen today, but I am not saying that it will. What I am saying, though, is that the technological breakthroughs that we see should lead us to seriously reflect upon this verse. It’s an ancient foretelling of the end of the world that I think has relevance for where contemporary society finds itself.
Pastor Chance
