“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6
Dear Ones:
It is believed that the book of Joel, in the Old Testament, was written either in the ninth or eighth century before Christ. In that book is a most remarkable promise which has its application, and realization, in what Peter, on the day of Pentecost, would declare to be, “the last days.” With regard to “last things,” and the last days, Jesus would tell the disciples many things with regard to the characteristics of that period, even speaking of signs, and what will come to pass. It is safe to say that since the day of Pentecost, and the birth of the church, we have been in the “last days,” approaching the critical conclusion of God’s will that applies to that period. The questions that arise with regard to this matter are the following: “How do we recognize where we are, with regard to the Lord’s coming,” and “how are we to live in light of that coming?” The Lord has not left mankind in the dark with regard to why there will be certain, enormous, and cataclysmic events of that period. Through it all, He has provided us answers to our questions, and promises, according to which the believer is to live, not dominated by the circumstances, but rising up to understand God’s will, and His wondrous, victorious, and overcoming provision in Christ.
With regard to the very evident wrath of God revealed in these days, we have an illustration to help us grasp why there will be such upheavals of people and nations, “wars and rumors of wars.” Just prior to Jesus being judged by Pilate, and crucified on Calvary, He spoke to His disciples concerning the temple at Jerusalem: “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Matt. 24:2) The Lord is speaking of coming judgement upon Jerusalem because of her rejection of Him. It would be around 70 A.D., that this prophecy was realized by the Romans. The important point here is to realize that God will judge sin, in a person’s life, or in that of a nation. Sometimes that judgement is deferred, and this, for many reasons which may or not be seen. Because the Lord is just, He will certainly judge sin, unless there is repentance. The latter days, similar to the seventy year period after Jesus’ death and resurrection, will be characterized by the revelation of the glory of God in the church. However, just as the testimony of Christ in the early church was rejected, and destruction came to Jerusalem, so will judgement come throughout the world. The testimony of God in the church, the body of Christ, is being rejected today by the world. And yet, the effects of the Pentecost of old, are resounding throughout the world today. Though there is the crescendo of the message of judgement, so there are rumblings of the blessing of God. Though the present time is difficult, and will continue to be so, it is a time of great opportunity and hope. Habakkuk’s prayer for such a time as this is so very appropriate: “Revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (3:2) Believers at this present time must come to realize, and grasp, that like Ester of old, it is for a time such as this that we are here.
So, how do we live in these last days? First of all, we make sure we have the oil of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Secondly, we choose to live in an attitude of readiness to meet, and respond, to the Lord’s coming. Thirdly, with regard to the resources, gifts, and capacities, that the Lord has entrusted to each us, we are to be faithful, and wise, in their use. Today, the church is the custodian of the truth, and blessing of God, by the Spirit, to the world.
Dear Father, Give us grace to lovingly serve Thee today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love, Dad