I recently returned from a mission trip with my crew to several states where flooding and storms have caused death and destruction in the lives of many people. We are emotionally spent. You can’t look on that much human suffering without it taking its toll. Everything else that may be going on, pales in light of it.
I have seen other newscasters unable to speak or describe the scenes they were looking upon – it was all so overwhelming. We are doing what we can to alleviate some of the suffering. It will take the efforts of millions of people, organizations and especially churches to reach out with whatever they have to give – and everyone has something to give!
In the meantime, the Middle East is still in turmoil, Israel is surrounded by its enemies, and earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters are increasing dramatically. Yet, people everywhere refuse to repent (but that’s another blog).
The news headlines have described the events of May as “epic” and “biblical” and “apocalyptic”. These are the words of the secular media, not religious men. Even the world knows that what we are witnessing is a global turmoil unlike anything ever before it. They may not know what to call it, but we do. It’s called the Times of Trouble, the Last Days, the Revelation Days, and the Tribulation.
We know what these Times are because God gave us the Scriptures so that we would know! He did not give us these warnings in Scripture so that we would be fearful – NO! …just the opposite! In Matthew 24:6 Jesus says “See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.” And in Matthew 24:32-33 Jesus says “ “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” Now that is Good News to those who know Him!
Then, in Matthew 24:42-46, Jesus tells us what we should do, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”
Jesus gives us this spiritual instruction using a natural principle. The principle is that when you see the warning signs of an impending disaster, you should prepare. This is a natural, practical preparation – as well as a spiritual preparation. He tells us that we should be alert to the times in which we live and to pattern our lives accordingly, making every effort to be found faithful.
As these Revelation events increase, we need to increase in faith and preparedness for what is coming upon the world – it is not something that anyone should ignore. We can increase and grow in our spiritual knowledge and our peace when we have heeded the instructions given so lovingly so many years ago. Don’t just be a hearer, be a doer!
God loves you! He really does!
