BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen?
And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
(Luke 21:7)
MEDITATION:
QUESTION: How close is the rapture?
The answer to this question is “No one knows”.
However, in Luke 21 Jesus gives us
some signs to look for that indicate it is near.
In Luke 21:25 He talks about
the “anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea“.
Could He have been talking about the tsunamis that have occurred in recent years?
Most people had never heard of a tsunami
until we saw the devastation caused by one on the news.
Many were perplexed and anxious to understand
the cause of this “roaring and tossing of the sea”.
In Luke 21:20 Jesus says,
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,
you will know that its desolation is near”
We can see how Israel continues to be threatened from every side,
while many of its allies are turning their back on this country with
God’s chosen people, and are condemning them for their actions
to defend themselves.
Again, no one knows when the rapture will come,
but we do need to read the signs given to us by Jesus.
If you are a “one of these days” person,
then perhaps “one of these days” is here for you.
In other words if you have said to yourself,
“One of these days, I will start going to church again”.
Or, “One of these days, I will start to worship the Lord with other believers“.
Note: Hebrews 10:24-25 is not a suggestion but a command to believers.
Or, “One of these days, I will give to the Lord what is rightfully His (tithing)”.
Or, “One of these days, I will stop giving in to temptations”.
Or, “One of these days, I will change my habits, language, priorities,
and eliminate anger issues, dishonesty, etc.”
Or, “One of these days, I will stop being selfish
and start being an encourager to others”.
Or, “One of these days, I will talk to a particular person about salvation”.
Or, “One of these days, I will start using my gifts and talents to serve the Lord“.
Whatever you have been putting off, stop allowing Satan to
convince you to procrastinate (one of his more effective weapons).
ACTION:
Since we enjoy our comfort zones, making a change is never easy.
However, all true believers have been given the Holy Spirit
to assist us in becoming more like Jesus.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
(John 14:26)
Spend some serious time in prayer and talk freely with the Lord
about any “one of these days” promises you have been making.
Changes require putting more importance on what the Lord thinks
and less importance on what the world thinks.
The world is full of distractions and justifications
to discourage us from changing, but the scriptures say,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)
Have you been “called according to His purpose”?
If your answer is “Yes”, then consider it a blessing that You have been
chosen by the Lord to serve Him in some capacity, then commit to serving.
Maybe you are already fulfilling His purpose for you, but don’t
get the idea that He will not call you to additional purposes.
When we prove to God that we are willing to serve Him,
our spiritual maturity could be prepared for new challenges.
When we obey God, He will reveal our next step(s).
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for considering me worthy to serve
You. Without the blood of Jesus I know that I am not worthy, but
His blood cleanses me of my unrighteousness and gives me a desire
to serve You out of gratitude for the salvation You have given me.
Forgive me if I have not been doing what You have called me to do,
and help me to commit to start serving You more. Show me where
and how You want me to serve and encourage me to make whatever
changes I need to make.”
blog: UTVOLWOODY.WORDPRESS.COM
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