I’m not one to want to get into controversial conversations, but that is not to say I don’t have an opinion on most controversial matters. If you want my opinion, I usually want to tell you if I feel like I can explain it well enough; however, it’s not going to be something I want to argue about. So for this topic, I’m going to pretend that you want to hear my opinion. The funny thing is, it is not simply my opinion because it has back-up.
From the time I was a kid, I have never liked to hear about “the last days” according to the Bible. I am still not super fond of the topic, but it just might be a necessary topic if we want to be on the winning side of this.
There are several scriptures that list things that will be seen or heard of in the last days. Some I have seen or heard of most of my life. I realize that we do not know the span of time that “the last days” will encompass. I heard once that the last days began after Jesus’ death and resurrection. I, personally, cannot give you definite time frames, but I can read and see and hear—and share with you, so that we can both be ready.
Let me start by saying that this virus did not surprise God. This “virus” (as I’ll call it), that has been the consuming topic of the planet, is something that I do not like to talk much about; but for the purpose of this article, I must.
The Bible encourages us not to be deceived*. I have prayed on and off over the years that I will not be deceived in preparation for such a time as this. The Bible, also, says to pray for wisdom, and God will give it.** So, in praying in regards to both of these things, I trust God to lead me concerning the current times, and I hope to shed a light that will draw you nearer to him…whether you are already a Christ-follower or not. If so, I want us to hold steady and STAND. If not, I hope you find hope in Him sooner than later! Time is precious—and possibly short.
In Luke 21 (King James Version – KJV), Jesus said that there will be pestilence. The New Living Translation (NLT) uses the word, plagues. I believe this virus (and others) fall into that category.
In Hebrews, chapter 10, verses 24 & 25, the Bible tells us to assemble…and the last part of verse 25 says, “…and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” (KJV); or, “especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT). So, Jesus said that there will be plagues in the last days; and in Hebrews, it says to assemble in the last days. God knew there would be sickness; but He also knew that during the difficult times, we would have need for each other to be in each others’ physical presence. The rest of those verses tells us why…
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
“…to motivate each other…to love and good works.” As much as this introverted self enjoys time alone, I still need people. I need to see physical faces, not just on a screen. I need to be in church and hearing, and being reminded of the Good News that Jesus came to save me from my sins, and is coming again.
I think the thing that has actually taken me by surprise and troubled me the most has been Christians that I have met through various means, and on more than one occasion, who seem so adamantly advocating to DIS-assemble. I am definitely not advocating attending if you are sick. I have always been one who tries to avoid sickness for myself and my family, and in the process, tried to be wise on decisions of not attending when sickness has been in the household.
[Please, know that I am certainly sympathetic toward those who have lost loved ones for any reason. This is no different. I will also add that I do not want that to touch my family, or yours, in any way shape or form.]
The Bible says, “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,”. Hebrews 9:27 (NLT)
Sometimes, we embrace this life as if it is the only thing…nothing beyond. Granted, I want to live a long and fulfilled life just as much as the next person; and I cling to verses like I find in Psalms 91…
“I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”” Psalms 91:16 NLT
My concern is that we are clinging so tightly to our lives on earth, that we are compromising the bigger picture of shining the church’s light so that others might find eternal peace.
In conclusion, I almost apologize for the somber message sent here, but if I can encourage you and me to suit up; embrace—and cling—to The Power, and not just a form of godliness, it WILL be cause to celebrate.
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“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Romans 13:11-12 KJV
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV
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Ref:
*“He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” Luke 21:8 (NIV)
**”If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (NLT)
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 