Matthew 24:15; Revelation 1:3; Matthew 11:29; Jeremiah 9:23-24

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3, NKJV)

In the mountain village of Kenscoff, Haiti—a serene community nestled in the highlands near Port-au-Prince (capital of Haiti)—​Pastor Jean-Pierre held a weekly Bible study in his modest chapel. Farmers, mothers, and curious youths gathered on wooden benches, their Bibles illuminated by flickering oil lamps.​

One evening, Marc, a university student home on break, joined the group. As they delved into the visions of Daniel, Marc interrupted, “These symbols are just old myths. Scholars say they’re metaphors for political struggles.”

Pastor Jean-Pierre responded gently, “Wi, men Bondye pa bay istwa pou nou pa konprann.” (Yes, but God doesn’t give stories He doesn’t want us to understand.) He opened his Bible and asked, “Kisa Bib la di sou bèt sa a?” (What does Scripture say about this beast?) Together, they traced the symbol through Daniel and Psalms, cross-referencing verses like detectives.​

Marc grew quiet as Madame Lafleur, a seamstress (a woman who sews and makes clothes) with calloused hands, pointed out, “Jezi di, ‘Chèche epi n’a jwenn.’ Si n’ chèche ansanm, L’ap montre n’.” (Jesus said, ‘Seek and you will find.’ If we seek together, He will show us.)

By week’s end, Marc returned, humbled. “I studied theories in Port-au-Prince,” he admitted, “but I missed the connection—how Scripture explains itself. You taught me to listen, not just argue.”​

This mirrors the story in Acts 8:26-40, where Philip meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. The official admits he cannot understand without help. Philip explains the Scriptures, leading the man to understand and choose baptism. Like Marc, the official needed guidance and a willing heart to truly grasp God’s Word.

🔥 Personal Reflection:

  • Are there times when you read the Bible but don’t understand it? How can you ask others for help to understand better?
  • In our diverse multicultural communities, how might studying prophecy with believers from different cultural backgrounds enrich your understanding in ways individual study cannot?
  • How can understanding prophecy help you witness effectively in Ontario’s increasingly secular environment where biblical literacy is declining?

🙏 Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. Help us approach it with humble hearts, seeking understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of believers. Teach us to listen, learn, and grow together in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.