July 15, 2020 – Click here to listen
I was talking with a friend the other day and she did not seem perturbed at all by the Covid 19 plague, violence, mayhem, racism, hate, looting, arson, economic chaos, polarization, abortion, pornography, sex trafficking, murder, rape, and other evils currently ravaging our country and the rest of the world. She cheerfully and optimistically told me not to worry because we are merely getting that much closer to the End Times and she emphasized of course that the rapture of Christ followers would occur prior to it and we would be spared those dreadful events.
It’s the classic case of the glass of water being half full or half empty. She obviously sees it as being half full. Imagine millions of Christ followers knocking on heaven’s door ready for some peace, joy, and quiet rest and a respite from the dark sin that blankets us. Surely God knows that we long for such a day, so why doesn’t He just step in and get it done?
I believe He delays His return because He loves us unconditionally and doesn’t want anyone to perish. Make no mistake He loves the worst of the worst in humanity that we find so despicable and stands willing to forgive them for the blackest of sins. He knows who will yet come to Him and He is holding the door open for the plane . . . That means we should intensify our efforts to witness to as many as possible before it slams shut.
I studied Bible prophecy concerning the End Times literally for years. I was fascinated by it. It comes alive every day whenever I read the headlines. There is no question that biblically speaking the fruit is ripe and ready for harvest and yet God allows it to continue. The Bible states that one day the door will indeed shut and those who miss out will suffer unimaginable tribulation.
So why don’t people just surrender their lives to Him and take advantage of His mercy instead of fighting Him and breaking His commands? I’m not the only one to ask that question; the psalmist asked the same thing in Psalm 2:2 – Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
I read this morning where scientists have discovered a celestial structure made of galaxies more than 1.4 billion light-years long and 600 million light-years deep in the skies over the South Pole. What is now observable is perhaps 1/10th the size of what we know of the Universe. Can anyone put that in perspective as compared to us and how small we really are? Can anyone visualize the power of God in creating something so immense? And yet here are all the pseudo intellectuals of the world thumbing their collective noses and shaking their fists at Almighty God. The rest of that psalm beginning in verse 4 states: The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury . . .
Then beginning in verse 9 comes the frightening part to any non-believer where God is talking to Jesus: You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery.” Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling . . .
The world is the kingdom of Satan, and unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God. We see it every day. Thankfully it will only last a short while, (relatively speaking.) The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth and is Head over all things. The restless endeavors of His enemies are no match and they will soon meet their Waterloo.
So be of good cheer no matter what your situation is today. Remember Jesus said if the world hates you, understand it hated me first. Persecution of Christians will and has already come, and sin will prevail for a season, however, remember we are knocking on heaven’s door and soon that door will swing wide open for all who love Jesus.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.