It was never the LORD's intention that the people called by His name, the people called to be light and salt in the earth, the people purposed to do exploits (Dan. 11:32) and greater works in His name (Jn. 14:12), should be confused, ignorant, fearful or without hope (1 Pet. 3:13-15, 1 Thess. 4:13-14) regarding end time events, and His will in those events.
Jesus taught of these events in the synagogues and temple, gave revelation of them to prophets and apostles, all so that we would be informed when the time came. All of these teachings did not make Jesus popular with those who had their own agendas, but these teachings have left us with a rich legacy of foreknowledge. If we will study the Word of God, we will attain wisdom, knowledge and understanding of these events, and our role in them.
Jesus described in great detail and accuracy the events that would lead to His return. All creation will be in turmoil and distress (Lk. 21:22-25). Men will be terrified by what they will see happening:
"Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken...For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." Lk. 21:26, 35
However, because we have already been told what to expect, and what these events mean, our reactions should be different from the world's:
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh...So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, "This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled...Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." Lk. 21:28, 31-32, 36
Jesus' expectation was that His disciples would be a people of knowledge, but at the same time, warned that we were not to be involved with worldly behavior and cares, because this would have a destructive effect upon our hearts and minds:
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged (weighed down, burdened, grieved) with surfeiting (seized, or carried away with the effects of drunkenness and debauchery), and drunkenness, and cares (anxiety, distraction, drawn in different directions, divided) of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (unexpectedly, suddenly)." (v. 34).
Even Jesus removed Himself from distraction. He would teach in Jerusalem at the temple during the day, but then He would leave the activities of the city behind, and spend the night on the Mt. of Olives. In Greek, the place where He staid is described as an outdoor area of shepherds and their flocks (v. 37).
Our hearts and minds are very vulnerable to, and can be easily overtaken by, the attitudes and priorities of the world. Immediately after Jesus taught about the catastrophic events of the end times, and what our attitude through it should be, His own disciple, Judas, made an agreement to betray Jesus for money (Lk. 22:1-4). Judas had formed an attitude of offense and disrespect towards Jesus (Mt. 26, Lk. 7, Mk. 14), and had allowed these things to divert, divide, and rule his heart. Although Judas had access to all of the revelations of Jesus, instead of becoming a son of salvation, he became a son of perdition (damnation, destruction, perishing, eternal misery in hell) (Jn. 17:12).
Paul makes clear that the ways and thoughts of the world have nothing to do with us:
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned...For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Cor. 2:12-14, 16
We do not seek the understanding found in the world, but we search the scriptures, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, putting together the pieces of Godly wisdom and knowledge. Rather than the information highway of the world, we receive our instruction from the Holy Spirit through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers until we grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ, a bride who has made herself ready, a light set on a lampstand, a city on a hill.
To Contact/Give:
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709
PayPal accepted
To hear the entire message from Dr. Ken Stevenson:
No comments:
Post a Comment