Part 2
Assuming that you read Matthew 24 and 25, let us now ‘mentally’ move on.
In Matthew 24, it begins with Jesus’ disciples asking Him an innoxious question. They are making what seems like an insignificant observation. They “came up to show Him the buildings of the Temple.”(Matthew 24:1, NKJV). However, Jesus’ response was exceedingly more than they bargained for or expected. Jesus tells them about the coming destruction of the Temple; the turmoil and tribulation at the end of the age; and the ongoing propagation of the Gospel unto the ends of the earth. In Matthew 25, He discusses what to expect and how to prepare yourself until He comes again.
Matthew 24:14 (NKJV), Jesus says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Is the church functioning as a witness in the earth today? Depends on what you are observing God doing in the nations of the world. God is at work. Are you aware of the revival in Nicaragua ? (November 2023) (emphasis mine)
Many believe this ‘unprecedented unrest’ is spear-heading the prophetic end- time events that will usher in the return of Christ. (Question: Who really knows when the gospel has been preach as a witness to all the nations? Answer, only God, the Father-see Matthew 24:36.
All that we are witnessing is certainly moving us forward toward the return of Christ. All history has been doing that. In light of this, what should be our mental outlook regarding the events we are witnessing? What are you witnessing in your spirit? What is dominating your thinking?
Paul writing to the church at Ephesus, explains how we are to live in times of unrest. He writes, (Ephesians 5:6-21 NKJV), “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says, ‘Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.‘ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
Well, that is a study in itself; and I would recommend that study to you. It is a study that will rearrange your mindset toward the world in which we are living today. We are living in gross darkness as a nation. As believers we are to be light. Am I, are we, is the Church functioning as Paul has instructed the believers in Ephesus? Is this my, our, the Church’s mentality?
Not taking lightly what we just read, I do want us to consider this real possibility in our nation. It is a serious thought. It is one that has been considered in previous posts.
The question is this: In the midst of the ‘unprecedented unrest’, am I prepared to take refuge in the Lord? The psalms speak very poignantly about finding refuge in the Lord in time(s) of trouble. Am I saying there will be times of trouble? It would not surprise me. What kinds of trouble? That, I do not know; but based upon Psalm 64, I visualize God’s direct intervention in the affairs of this nation and the world. His intervention will be such that those who have meant harm and destruction to this nation are going to be exposed and dealt with by God. I have written a post about this and what I believe the Lord has shown me regarding Psalm 64 entitled, The A.A.R.O.W. of God. I recommend it to you so that you have an understanding of what I am implying. (it can be found at livingwordsofencouragment.com)
Psalm 64:7-10 (NKJV), “But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded. So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away. All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust (find refuge) in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.” (insert mine)
I recommend that you read Psalm 64, Psalm 62:1-12 and Psalm 46:1-11 .
end of Part 2
TBC
a brother in Christ, deo
Living Words of Encouragement 