Monday, March 3, 2014

The Nearness Of The Hour




If you've been visiting this site for a while, hopefully it has become obvious that I try to never use the worlds "I", "me", "in my opinion", or any other references to me or my personal feelings. Frankly, my "opinions" or "feelings" aren't worth much - especially when compared to our subject matter. My job has always been to simply use one hand to point to the prophetic scriptures and the other hand to point to the news of the day. That's what watchers do as God's word usually speaks for itself. As the foretold world events continue to line up precisely as the prophetic scriptures would dictate, commentary isn't really needed. The scriptures and various world developments are too perfectly orchestrated and too obvious to require a lot of personal commentary. 

But there are exceptions to the above and I guess today is one of those exceptions. 

Before getting to that - let us remind ourselves of the facts. We know that the people who would be alive during this generation would see all of the "signs" that we've been given and those signs would grow in frequency and severity throughout that generation. In retrospect, the length of a "generation" should be obvious. Sure, 'genea" can have several meanings, but in the context of Matthew 24 it is obvious that we're dealing with a typical life-span for those alive during this period, and it is a fact that many people on earth are still alive between 100-120 years. To confirm that, we can look to Jesus words "As it was in the days of Noah". Turn to Genesis 6:3 (during Noah's era) and in the description of the "days of Noah", we see the following: "Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years'". 

Obviously we are approaching the very end of that generation.

We've watched the signs since the WWI era, when, as Arnold Fruchtenbaum points out in his book "Footsteps of the Messiah", the generation began. During that first world war, ("nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom"), there was an unprecedented spike in those first birth pain signs: World war, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes. The data to support this initial "spike" in signs is unequivocal. The next birth pain was the WWII era, when these signs all spiked again - and then almost immediately in the aftermath of this world war, this generation witnessed the fulfillment of Isaiah 66:7-10 as Israel was formed "in a day"and Ezekiel 36-37 as the Nation of Israel was regathered from having been dispersed "among the nations". This amazing fulfillment alone should scream that we're in the last days.

There can be absolutely no doubt that we are living in that final generation and that we're at the very end of that generation. Since the big initial birth pains shown above, we have also seen the remaining prophecies fulfilled as we watch: We've seen the Roman Empire regathered exactly as described in Daniel 2 and 7. We've watch as apostasy has spread throughout the churches and the secular world. We've watched the "knowledge explosion" of this generation and the increased ability to "travel" (remember, mankind was in horse and buggy until this generation).  We've watched as violence engulfs the world. We've watched as globalism has become a universally accepted concept (aka "New World Order") as an inevitable consequence of the world financial system and the new calls for a single currency. We've watched as technology has given us a police state with the ability of constant monitoring of the nations citizens and the ability to track and monitor humans via GPS - while implantable microchips are already in use and being inserted into the human hand. We've watched as world governments continually increase their growth and power. We've watched nuclear arms spread on a world-wide basis and now such weapons reside within terrorist groups, along with biological and chemical weapons. 

We've watched as the nations align against Israel. We've watched the alignment of Israel's enemies coming together - whether those involved in Isaiah 17 or the well-known battle of "Gog-Magog" - as they grow in military might and in their various alliances - exactly as foretold by the ancient scriptures. We've watched America abandon Israel and continue its rapid and predictable fall from power. We've watched persecution of Christians and Jews increase dramatically over recent years while radical Islam continues to become more and more accepted by the MSM. We're watching as the "peace plan" between Israel and her neighbors continues to receive the world's attention, while we continue to watch Jerusalem becoming the "burdensome stone" for all nations. We watch as the land of Magog and the 'kings of the east' prepare militarily for the wars which are certain to come. 

We watch the signs in the sky as the four blood moons begin their appearance this spring. We watch the earthquakes, the tsunamis, the growing famine and drought problem throughout the world while we continue to see the constant warnings issued by the CDC about antibiotic resistance and emerging untreatable bacteria and a "post-antibiotic era" emerging. We watch the world reverting to the "Godlessness" in the last days as described by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3 as we also see the increase in "wickedness" and the love of most "growing cold" exactly as Jesus described in Matthew 24. 


Yes indeed, it's all coming together. 


But there is more. Again, as stated in the opening paragraph above, I'm breaking the self-imposed "rules" in this post. To get right to the point -  I'm getting a strong sense to communicate that we're in the very last hours. To ignore this would be a disservice to this assignment. We are on the brink of big things, and it's time to brace ourselves. That sense of urgency not only applies to communications on this site, but people who I encounter on a daily basis. It is both surprising and comforting that so many people are eager to hear the truth right now - whether due to fear or a foreboding sense of what seems to be coming. I can't recall any period before (including 9/11) where people seem so willing to hear this message. 

I wish I could be more specific. The overriding message, presumably from the Holy Spirit is to get prepared and to do so quickly. Get prepared mentally and spiritually. This would seem to involve more prayer and meditation on Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. Not much else matters now. After all - that's what "watching" is really all about isn't it? Keeping God very close at all times. Lean on Him, rely on Him, trust in Him and His promises. That can never be taken away. Even if things get scary - we can always take comfort in one simple fact: Man cannot harm our souls or our eternal destiny - man cannot take our salvation. If other men inflict hardship and suffering, it will be brief and meaningless in the "big picture" of what really matters. We are here to do God's work in these final hours. 

As we get closer and closer to the last days, the world is going to begin to see some very big things. These "big things" are within sight now. We may be here to see some of these things. We have to be ready. The time is now. Remember - we are considered as Saints and we are the salt and light of this dark world. When the last bolus of birth pains begin, we may be called into service - to witness - to explain what is happening in the biblical context - to serve as the light in the darkness -  to remain calm and steady, using the Bible as our compass. 

As always - it's really all about Jesus. It will be about Jesus when He comes for His Bride. It will be about Jesus when we return home and await the greatly anticipated wedding supper of the Lamb. It will be about Jesus when He returns to earth to set up His Kingdom. 



And more importantly - it will be about Jesus when we come face to face with Him. It will be about Jesus when we fall at His feet. It will be about Jesus when we give Him our crowns. It will be about Jesus when He tells us of those moments that He was close to us - when He carried us through our trials and tribulations while here on earth. And it will be about Jesus as we are taken up for the greatest reunion and celebration ever known or ever described. We will celebrate together - but our sole focus will be on Him, and Him alone. As it should be. 




As stated in John 14:


"Do not let your hearts  be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. 
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. 
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." 




And clarified in 1 Thessalonians 4:16


"For the Lord himself will come down from Heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever. 

Therefore encourage each other with these words."





29 comments:

Waterer said...

Dear Scott,

Amen Amen! Soon and very soon ,we are going to see the King!
Your words seem right to me and timely.
Thank you dear brother!!

Sandra said...

Scott, thank you for writing this today...the time is SO SHORT! It is a message from the Holy Spirit, we need to be ready at any moment. Scott I hope we will meet soon and others that have been faithfully following along.

Sandra

Mark 16:16 said...

Thanks for what I can only describe as yet another confirmation by the Holy Spirit that our time is up.

Your viewpoint seems to be so prevalent on nearly every Christian blog/video that I've looked at over the last 72 hours or so. It's as though the signs can no longer simply be "lining up" - they have reached a seemingly unbearable tension at their apex.

The Ukraine situation is obviously very dangerous and volatile, along with the economic precipice the world continues to teeter on threatening to collapse at any moment.

But it really is all about Israel, and to see the President of the United States issue an open and unveiled threat that America will no longer be able to protect Israel if it does not agree to "peace" - I believe this, along with the imminent announcement of a peace 'framework', could be the trigger for God's judgment.

I have often wondered how "sudden destruction" (1Thess5:3) and the harpazo would coincide. Certainly we won't know for sure until we're with the Lord, but thermonuclear war sure seems like a qualified candidate.

Thanks for your diligent blogging in these last days. What a privilege He would allow us to live in such a time.

Maranatha!

Ian

Scott said...

Ian, interesting that you would mention the "Sudden destruction" and coinciding Harpazo....I have always considered this based on 2 Peter 2 - as Peter gives us the parallels of Noah (got in the boat in the 'nick of time') and Lot, who escaped S&G 'just in the nick of time'.

I don't think God wastes verbiage in His word. Those examples are compelling and for that reason AND the fact that one of the meanings of Harpazo is to "snatch up, from sudden destruction".

For these reasons I have always held the belief that we would be snatched up just before some calamity (nukes? Terrorism? Financial collapse?) - who knows, but I definitely see what you are saying here.

And I thank Him all the time for the privilege of living in this time -another good point.

Waterer -Sandra -- thanks so much - hope I see you soon at the reunion ! :)

Its very very very close

Caver said...

Well said Brother, well said. As stated above, many are feeling the same thing.

Have a very dear friend in Jerusalem and just yesterday he said virtually the same thing.

This part really hit home....
"I wish I could be more specific. The overriding message, presumably from the Holy Spirit is to get prepared and to do so quickly. Get prepared mentally and spiritually. This would seem to involve more prayer and meditation on Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. Not much else matters now."

Being prepared in every way has been heavy on my heard for a few weeks now but you put it in words so well. You crystallized and gave precise clarity to much of what I've been feeling. Thank you.

David H said...

Great post Scott, thanks...

KemBlank said...

Scott, thank you for the encouragement you always bring to us and especially today. Praying with all of you, Lord Jesus please come quickly.
Kem

Mrs.C said...

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! dear Brother Scott!
You will humbly deny this, but God Truly raised you up dear Brother for this time...at the edge of ALL time.

It has been a tough battle, with many attacks, but consider ALL of that to be a Blessing as His Word says :) It means your doing something right, and the enemy hates that!As an old Southern Preacher once said, "the devil never bothers those who are doing his will".

We are all fighting the Good Fight, and we all will Finish the Race! We are ever so close! God Bless and Keep You and Yours ALWAYS Brother! The Finish Line is within view! We will be meeting you under that Great Tree of Life, and look forward to many potluck dinners at the Caver Mansion! LOL Glory be to God Forever!

Unknown said...

Thank you, Scott.

I have learnt a great deal from you and from all the bros and sis that post on this site !

I hope the Lord comes real soon. On the other hand, I worry for all the unsaved people in this world, especially for those I know.


john said...

People get ready, there's a train comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket you just thank the lord
People get ready, there's a train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board them
There's hope for all among those loved the most
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner whom would hurt all mankind
Just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there is no hiding place against the kingdoms throne
People get ready there's a train comin'
You don't need no baggage, just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket, just thank the lord

Maranatha!!!
Many Thanks Scott!!!

Mrs.C said...

Mark 16:16
Yes indeed, we are approaching the very edge of all time. Forgive me, but I have to
respectfully disagree with a portion of your statement. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 , “sudden destruction” is a Mid-Trib event, and is not directed to the Church. Paul is clear in these
Verses. Jesus Himself, also makes this clear, as He warns the Remnant Mid Trib Jews speaking to them in Matthew 24:15-21. In context, Paul is clarifying this “sudden destruction” to occur during the “day of the Lord”, and that they will “not escape”.

1 Thessalonians 5
5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Matthew 24:15-21
5 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’[c] spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Scott said...

Heh - :) - You're right Mrs C, on the "humble denial" - frankly - (and I've said this before) - if God's Grace can cover me, then it can cover anybody, because my sins run deep and frequent. I always always feel - when in the midst of Christian friends - as though I am the least worthy and the greatest sinner (and unfortunately, its probably true) of those around me.

I am just grateful that I can do the smallest part possible and maybe reach a few people. As stated in Isaiah - even our best works are like filthy rags in the eyes of God. In fact, I also know full well, God could have anyone do this and its my honor and privilege to be able to do this tiny fragment. God "allows" it and I'm forever grateful.

Its also funny you'd mention finishing the race. Thats been on my mind a LOT lately - trying to finish strong. In fact, I wish I had posted that. We all have that opportunity to "finish strong" given the prophetic knowledge that we all have, That potluck sounds pretty good to me - count me in! As my family will tell you - I NEVER miss a meal :)

What a blessing - and a blessing we all have to be alive right now - watching God's word come to life. Wow.

Caver - that does indeed to be the overriding point - to be prepared as we see the last events lining up. The Bride must be prepared to meet the bridegroom :) Now seems to be that time - I don't think there is much time to waste.

Kern, David - many many thanks my brothers - I'll see you both soon at the reunion!

Mrs.C said...

Yes indeed Brother Scott, a GREAT Blessing and privilege to be that Generation, to Witness His Word being fulfilled! To recall, that all of our Brothers and Sisters of old, waited over thousands of years for this Great Hope, and we are so incredibly Blessed to see it come to pass!

Knowing full well, that He, our wonderful Creator, our Loving Father, knew ALL of us before the foundations of the Earth! While we were yet still in our Mothers womb!Yet He knows each of names...

He knew that ALL of us would be here, at this moment in all of time,embracing, loving, His Word, His Truth,completely humbled and privileged to Witness His Word fulfilled before us! WOW!

Dear humble Brother, I know what words from Him await you...

Well done good and faithful Servant...well done

Scott said...

That would be the most beautiful thing, and I would so hope to hear those words, but unfortunately, He'll probably tell me that 1 Cor 3:15 was directed my way "...will be saved but only as one escaping through the flames" ....

But so so true. I firmly believe that each of us have been appointed to be here at this unique time. What an incredible blessing!!! To have front row seats in this biblical age. It gives me goosebumps to consider that fact.

harnessandleash said...

Scott says, "I'm getting a strong sense to communicate that we're in the very last hours."

And Ray, I have the same concern for the unsaved. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to print out Scott's message from today & tape it to the refrigerator door--- unfortunately, for those who will be coming into my home to find out why we aren't answering the phone!

"As always - it's really all about Jesus."
This, to me, Scott, was the most important part of your message. And even if the Lord tarries a while, & you are asked to keep those headlines coming for quite some time to come-- your concise overview today, combined with the emphasis on our Lord makes for a very effective witnessing tool to email or hand to someone to read, or as a "left behind" message.

We're all in the same sinner's boat Scott.

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but rubbish, that I may win Christ," Phil 3:8
(KJ 2000)

IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!

Gary said...

I was going to post a comment earlier today about the closeness of the hour. Russia & China uniting and Obama pushing Israel to agree on a settlement. I'm really excited...so excited...I hope it's soon!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow Scott!! Amen!!! What an amazing post. The Lord is truly at work and urging us to get ready!

This is beyond exciting! Who woulda thought we are the ones seeing all the things Jesus talked about in Matt 24?! Soooooo awesome and yet so frightful for our loved lost ones. Lets pray now more than ever!

Thanks again Scott!

One fine day said...

Thank you for posting this today, I too feel the sense of urgency! Thank you lord Jesus, come soon!

Scott said...

It seems that a lot of us are feeling this. That is very interesting. I have to wonder what's in store. My preference of course, is that it is the imminence of the 'gathering up' - but perhaps we will see some things that are very "big" and will have a witnessing opportunity in these last days.

Many thanks for the encouragement - after all - thats the charge given to us by the apostle Paul - to use the prophetic words and promises as words of encouragement to each other during these strange, surreal times.

I know one thing - when we are finally gathered together, its going to be one massive celebration and I DO LOVE a celebration with my brothers and sisters in Christ. And Jesus will be the center of everything.

Maranatha !!!

JeffinIndy said...

I've never posted here before but I feel like I know all of you I have been coming to Scott's sit for years it was shortly after my dad was killed in a car crash he was a preacher for 35 years and I used to talk to him about prophecy and the bible he was a old school preacher tell it like it was. I think growing up in the church I found myself not listening much and just living my life until the day I got the call of his accident we where a close family it woke me up on how I was living and I asked for forgiveness at that moment my life changed god has given me blessing after blessing and the strength to get thru and Scott I just wanted to tell you how much your posts have helped me it seems like the last month god has been tellinge to pray and to get ready and to read your post today just blew me away thank you
Jeffinindy

Scott said...

Jeff - thats a fascinating story - thanks so much for sharing that. I think many of us who grew up in the Church can relate to that. In fact, if you are like me - I always love to hear someone's "conversion story" as an adult - IOW, someone who didn't grow up in the church. They are always so exciting to hear! I think sometimes, when you grow up in the church, it can lead to a certain malaise over time when it has always been such a natural part of your life. It can be easy to go through the motions. Its funny, because our pastor gave a sermon which touched on this theme .

But thankfully, the Grace of God has us covered 0 and as a song goes - His grace is thankfully, larger than my sin.

Also interesting that you too seem to have this message in your heart Very interesting - I'm hearing more and more of those stories.

God bless, and thanks again

Scott said...

Oh - had to say - John - thats such a great song that I hadn't heard in a while, but now its most definitely in my mind!

ChristineInCleveland said...

Wanted to throw in my 2¢ also here & offer my appreciation to Scott for all you do to bring us these relevant news stories every day! I've been coming here quite a while now & agree that something "BIG" is imminent as it has been impressed into my spirit to watch particularly in April... for something major in way of event, but of course how it will unfold remains a mystery. I think about the return of Jesus as an all consuming up coming event just like a bride does as her wedding day approaches... even with the same goosebumps & butterflies! Can't wait to meet you all & it can't be soon enough!
Hugs to you Scott & all my kinfolks in the Lord! :)

Of Wisdom and Insight said...

I have been reading your posts for the last year and your site was the impetus for me to return to the study of biblical prophecy once again, so thank you. Your last post so resonates with my spirit, especially when only a few weeks ago, I shared with my husband the strong sense that Jesus is coming soon on the clouds to take us home. I have never felt such a strong conviction before and like so many others here, I am watching, praying and sharing with others the Good News of Jesus Christ. Maranatha Lord Jesus.

WVBORN56 said...

Amen Scott, Amen! Perhaps Today!

Maranatha! Lord Jesus, your Bride awaits.

George said...

Psalms 90:10
Our days may come to seventy years
Or eighty if our strength endures
Yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow
For they pass quickly and fly away

Scott said...

George - not sure what the point is. If you read the geneology in Matt 1 you wil find that throughout the 'bloodline' that 'generations' varied vastly in length. That isn't a mystery. Jesus referenced the days of Noah, not the "days of David" in Matt 24, so a reference to Psalms doesn't apply here.

Additionally, as I tried to make the point - reflection on the generation retrospectively seems to confirm the length of a life-span in our generation, which is consistent with the reference to the "days of Noah". That was the point. Assuming the generation started in the WWI era (and IMO that is indisputable, based on the facts) - then the 'theory' holds water and now, we're ~100 years in, and we're obviously drawing to a close on the generation

Waterer said...

Dear Scott,
I have been studying Matt 24 and 25 in Fruchies book and saw a new take on this part of the signs Jesus gave. He thinks that the fig tree and ( all the trees of the forest. other Gospel) are a general reminder that when you see the tender sprout , you will see the Summer. Surprisingly, ( ANd this is his take on it , not rigid) is that the generation who see Abomination of Desolation WIll see the 2nd coming. To us that seems obvious but to those living in that horrific time and scenario it will be a promise of hope.
He totally believes that the Rapture has no sign and that WW1 did indeed start the clock on the end of the age. We are there but in a way his take on it keeps us from despair if the time gap widens beyond the 120 yrs. I have always read it as whoever sees the first part sees the last as you do but he makes a little sense in this too.
I hope it is TODAY.

Scott said...

I'm not sure I understand - the same generation will see both the beginnings of birth pains AND the AOD (well, those who are still here). I don't see any conflict there.

Once the AOD is in play, there are only 3.5 years left I have never seen "generation" referenced as a 3.5 year period, so that seems to confirm that the same generation will see both events (including the 2nd advent for that matter).