Another Sign of the Times

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,” 2 Timothy 3:1-3 NKJV

In a disturbing story published by CBS News over the weekend, it was reported that yet another runner is in the hospital after being attacked by three dogs in Plymouth Township, Michigan, on Saturday morning. At least one of the animals was shot by an officer.

Officers responded to the incident on the 12000 block of Canton Center Road around 6:35 a.m. Police said the dogs approached the first officer at the scene in an "aggressive manner" when they tried to approach the runner, identified by officials as a male.

The officer then shot their firearm, according to police. At least one of the dogs was hit by the bullet and all three ran from the scene.

The male, whose age has yet to be disclosed, was taken to the hospital where he was in stable condition on Saturday afternoon, officials said.

Police found one of the dogs suspected in the attack, a cane corso, running near an elementary school. Officials said it was taken to the Huron Valley Humane Society to be quarantined.

Now if this story has you asking yourself, “Is it just me or are random canine attacks on the rise?”, you’re not alone. I asked myself and then Google the same question and got this response, “Yes, dog attacks and fatalities have risen significantly since 2020, with fatal incidents in the U.S. more than doubling from approximately 40 annually to nearly 100. This increase is largely attributed to the surge in pandemic pet adoptions, which led to high numbers of dogs lacking proper training, socialization, and breeding.”

And, of course this proper training, socialization, and breeding can almost always be traced back to irresponsible owners—with the number of those who are “despisers of good” rising every day. Among other things, those people who despise good are not only irresponsible but detest laws and actively scorn what is morally, socially, and physically good for others. 

You can be sure, though, that this is just another sign of the times that Paul told Timothy would come upon the world to serve as an indication that the return of Jesus was imminent, when he said “in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good..”

Are we seeing all of this today or what? Paul goes on in the chapter to further elaborate on the exceedingly wicked state mankind will be in before the return of Jesus. And then tells us what we are to do during these “perilous times” that are upon us.

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17

We are to press on, assured by our faith in Christ Jesus and the Holy Scriptures that everything will happen as God says it will. And we are to be found “complete” and “thoroughly equipped for every good work” by reading the Bible and committing it to memory. In this way we won’t be led astray or have reason to fear the coming days, but will be ready for whatever comes our way.

So, as the coming days become more perilous, make studying the Bible and growing closer to Christ your highest priority my friend. Doing so will not only ensure that you are found wise but prepared, set, and primed for what lies ahead. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that so clearly lays out what the signs of the times will be. Lord, help us to be found ready for the coming days by being trained in the Word and vigilant against the enemy’s attacks.  Help us to be a light in this dark world by the way that we live that we might lead the lost to You before it's too late. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!