We have acknowledged the times we are living in as the last days. Revealing the precarious nature of the era, Paul declares: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). This, as Paul later explains, will be due to people being consumed by self-love. In pursuit of self-love, people will throw caution to the wind. But as characteristic of God all through history, He would normally leave a remnant out. So, the grim picture painted of the last days will not overtake everybody. Our duty today is to find out how to be among the remnant that will escape the perils of the last days. The answer is in hearkening to the Lord. As our text shows, those who do this shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

“Our duty today is to find out how to be among the remnant that will escape the perils of the last days…If you allow God to guide you, He will guard you from the perils of the day.”

The word “hearken” matches our modern use of the word listen. It is only those who listen to the Lord that will be free from the fear of evil. This throws up some thoughts. To listen is more than taking in information intelligently. It goes with the implication of obedience. In other words, it is only those who give God the opportunity to instruct them and follow through with obedience that will be able to escape the perils of the hour. This is not what should be done at leisure; it must be at all times. Time has come to tune in to God afresh to hear what He has to instruct. If you allow God to guide you, He will guard you from the perils of the day. We must add, though, that we have no chance of obeying Him unless we first understand what He wants. This brings to the fore once more the importance of a sensitive spirit. The days we are living in demand enhanced spiritual faculties, fully developed and ready to receive divine signals.