25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
(Luke 21)
Today's news is simply depressing in many ways. The Wikileaks emails which expose the power structure in the U.S., as the information from hacked emails confirm what many of us have suspected for years. Insight into our "political leaders" lives and how they live and communicate has been exposed for all to see. One can't help but see the pure evil which resides in these political leaders. I don't believe using the term is an exaggeration and anyone reading the various emails (just a few samples are giving the links below) cannot come away with any other conclusion.
We need to come to terms with a few things as we find ourselves living in this pre-Tribulation world and all that goes with existing during this era. We are seeing the beginning phase of the final birth pains and evil is springing up all around us. Not only in politics, but as we watch the "immigration crisis" in Europe and the resulting rapes, violence, filth, and basic anarchy. We are seeing a rapid build-up towards bigger and bloodier wars which we know are to come. We watch daily as complete lies and distortions are "reported" by the centralized media with no truth in sight. We continue to watch as Jesus is removed from as many public spaces as possible as we also watch the rise of satanism on a world-wide basis.
We also will not find justice for the evil around us. That must wait until the Second Coming of Jesus and not a minute sooner. If we find ourselves in a quest to see justice served in this era, we may end up pretty frustrated.
But this is all part of a much bigger plan - a plan that works out quite well in the end for a Believer. This pre-Tribulation era we find ourselves immersed in is very much a cesspool of filth in almost every way imaginable. When Jesus stated that these days would be like the days of Noah, he perfectly characterized this cesspool.
But here we are.
Thats the bad news. But there is very very good news on the horizon.
Jesus knew exactly what we would be living through in these days. And He gave us very specific instructions - instructions which seem too simple for deep discussion and perhaps easy to dismiss. But we should pay close attention to His instructions - like all of Jesus' instructions, they are meant to be followed and there is good reason for such instructions.
"When these things begin to take place stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near"
"...when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near"
These "things" are most definitely taking place, and we most definitely "see these things happening".
So what are we to do? In the midst of this evil, in the midst of injustice, in the midst of horrible violence, persecution, lies, corruption, pain, suffering, economic hardship, earthquakes, volcanoes, famine, disease, and on and on that list goes. Jesus knew we would be right in the middle of it all. The cesspool.
But He wants us to remember what really matters - thats why he clearly stated that we need to:
- Stand up
- Lift our heads
- Remember that our redemption draws near.
Standing up means not being discouraged, not being beaten down spiritually and not cowering from the evil around us. No. He wants us standing strong and looking up. That means not looking down - looking down at the cesspool. There is nothing to be gained from that. Its depressing, frustrating, heart-breaking, sad, anger-provoking and a vast array of other negative emotions. That isn't how Jesus wants us in these times.
He wants us standing strong and looking up with the fact that our redemption is coming. It's a promise.
He wants us watching for HIM. That means focused on HIM. That means praying to HIM. That means excitement at the prospect of being with HIM.
We have a wedding approaching. What bride doesn't obsess with the groom as the wedding approaches? He expects to find us excited at the idea that we will be in His presence soon....And not just for a little while. Forever.
The problems of this world will continue for another 7 years. We won't be here. We'll be with Jesus. That's where He wants our focus. On Him...Only Him.
With the obvious exception of witnessing and bringing the news of prophecy to the world, we need to have a singular focus. This world will soon be left behind. It won't matter - all that will matter is our glorious reunion and being in the very presence of Jesus Himself.
Nothing else matters. Only Him and His soon arrival for the Bride. He's looking forward to this with great anticipation - we should be as well.
So stand strong. Look up. Focus on Him. He'll be here soon. None of this will matter.
2 comments:
Thank you Scott, for these great words of comfort. I know, they are really His words to us, but thanks for reminding us of our Great and Blessed Hope. This came to my mind: Whenever the “pool of cess” does hit the fan, and if we're still here for a time, we may not be in the comfort of our homes when it happens. We may be at work or out on the road. But wherever we may be, realize that the Lord knows exactly where we are. So we need to trust Him that wherever we are it is for His good and perfect purpose. So we have this need to settle this in our minds: wherever we may be, be ready to give that reason for the Blessed Hope that awaits us, to whoever is around us. Abba, give us strength and help us settle our resolve, to be at peace in this. Keep us ever so focused on Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. Amen and maranatha!
Yes sir! And i second that "Amen" !
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