Yesterday a friend told me that Words for the Day didn’t offer enough hope every day. So I thought about this and have come to the conclusion that he is right. I suppose Ebola, terrorism, corruption in business and government, dirty politics, the loss of religious liberty, the assault on life and marriage, wars, poverty, the watering down of God’s laws by the church, and the coldness of fellow human beings is weighing on my mind and I’m not exuding enough cheer.
I suppose I could be like Joel Olsteen and put that big smile on my face and grin that I’m too blessed to be stressed multi-million dollar grin and sell another 100 million books, but somehow I don’t think God wants His soldiers to do that.
While I do not consider myself a prophet I do consider myself a servant of God. I do feel a responsibility to point out that we as a nation need to change our ways and soon if we are to be spared judgment. God has always wanted people to be informed, aware, and warned about future difficulties. Throughout the history of Israel, He sent prophets to warn His people about future impending doom. It has always been God’s purpose to steer people away from calamity.
Jonah was sent to Nineveh to warn and rebuke the people that if they did not turn away from their evil doings, their city would be destroyed. The people of Nineveh heeded the warning and their city was spared, along with some 60,000 souls (Jonah 3). Perhaps this puts into perspective why I often talk about the darker side of where our society is right now. It is my hope that we will wake up and do something about it like the people of Nineveh did.
I read the following commentary the other day on “Amazing Discoveries” and it seems to sum up how I feel.
“The Book of Revelation is a Revelation of Christ – We have been given the book of Revelation to help us to understand the times in which we live. The word revelation means to reveal or disclose. In a special sense, the book of Revelation is meant to reveal vital issues to the New Testament Church – the end-time Church in particular – about end-time events. God does not want us to be ignorant about the future: Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).
God uses prophecy for two purposes: to warn and to encourage. For example, prophecy warns us of the Enemy’s plans and encourages us with hope and the promise of victory. The book of Revelation is full of such warnings and encouragements. It discusses the forces working against Christ and the actions they will take, so that we can recognize them when they happen, and steer clear of any participation with the Antichrist forces.
We also read in the book of Revelation about the promise of final restoration – a new heaven and a new Earth. These come with the final destruction of sin and Satan, the originator of sin. Because Revelation pertains specifically to the end of time, and because we live in the closing time of Earth’s history, this book, in particular, deserves our attention if we want to recognize the signs and know the future.
When we understand what is to take place, our fear of the end times won’t control us. And that’s what God wants. When calamities occur, many are afraid and wonder what is happening. But those that study God’s Word don’t need to be afraid. In His kindness, God gives us the sure word of prophecy for our warning and encouragement.
So like the book of Revelation I want to both warn and encourage you, my friends. According to Scripture it is near impossible to conclude that we are not living in the “perilous times” of which Jesus spoke. If we will abide by 2 Chron. 7:14 we will be spared impending judgment. If not we will face judgment; HOWEVER even if that event happens those of us who have trusted Jesus can look forward to a new heaven and new earth.
Hopeful enough today? I hope so!
Romans 5:7
. . . through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
October 23, 2014 – Click here to listen