Your Redemption Draws Near

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

In the heart of the book of Revelation, John watches as the Lamb opens the first of seven seals. This is a very dark period of human history—the darkest ever. The breaking of the first seal sets in motion a period of time known as the Great Tribulation. This timeframe, also mentioned in the book of Daniel, is the moment when the Antichrist will arrive and great destruction will be ushered in on a global scale—famine, war, economic calamity, persecution.

Why would God share these details with us? Far from being afraid, Jesus said in Luke 21:28, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” As these events draw closer and closer, we may even become more thrilled in making every minute of our lives count to prepare for that great day.

The very Lamb of God who was sacrificed for our sins is also the Lion of Judah who will execute judgment upon the earth. If you do not receive Him as the Lamb of God who forgives your sins, you are going to have to face Him as your judge, the Lion of Judah. Are your sins covered by the blood of the Lamb? If the answer is “Yes,” then you should not fear the Lion.

Though the end times are terrifying and the Lion of Judah causes us to tremble, we have nothing to fear, and certainly nothing to fear of Satan or of the Antichrist. Whether we live to see the Great Tribulation—which will make death seem a blessed rest by comparison—or not, we do not fear, for those who trust in Jesus have their names written in the book of life, not in pencil but with the blood of the Lamb of God. That is what salvation is all about. That is our message of hope. Let us rest in it and share it while we still have time, spreading the light of the world, Jesus Christ, to all in the grips of darkness.

Prayer: I praise You, God, for Your grace and mercy, Your patience and love. Thank You that Your perfect love drives out fear, for I trust in You and Your promises. Help me share this precious gift with those You put in my path. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:17-18).

*Devotional adapted from End Times and the Secret of the Mahdi by Michael Youssef © 2016. Published by Worthy Books, Franklin, TN. Used by permission.

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Revelation for Today, Part 7: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
View All


Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.