The Distress of Nations
In Luke 21:24-27 Jesus tells us that as the "Times of the Gentiles" come to a close, "there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth DISTRESS OF NATIONS, with perplexity; the sea and the waves (i.e., the peoples of the earth) roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the "Powers of Heaven" (i.e., the Principalities and Powers of Evil, Ephesians 6:11-12) shall be shaken. And THEN shall they see the SON of MAN coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
It is notable in this passage that the world has a FINITE period remaining before its end. 1 Peter 4:7 further states: "But the end of all things is at hand." - meaning the end is very close - even outside our front doors (nigh at the door).
The above verse highlights the confusion that will accompany the destruction of the world as we know it and that men's hearts will begin failing them for fear of the things yet to come upon the earth.
2 Peter 3:10 states: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the EARTH ALSO AND THE WORKS THAT ARE THEREIN shall be BURNED UP".
We are subsequently warned that "seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YE TO BE IN ALL HOLY CONVERSATION and GODLINESS."
There is a requirement by God for us - His creation - to serve Him unconditionally. The scriptures says: "the whole duty of man is to worship God". Not sometimes, but at all times.
We are told to "pray without ceasing" and in His law to meditate "day and night". There is no time to follow the world as at all times we should be expending our remaining time here "hungering and thirsting" after righteousness.
We are really just strangers here - passing through on our way to heaven.
In Haggai 2:6-7 we read: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; yet once, it is a LITTLE WHILE, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I WILL SHAKE ALL NATIONS, and the DESIRE (Christ) OF ALL NATIONS WILL COME."
These prophecies are now being fulfilled - but they are "nigh at the door." The present "distress of nations", the uprisings of the masses in national revolutions, the constant groundswells, the tottering of nations, the political instabilities and the wars and rumors of wars and other such indications are proof that the NATIONS are BEING SHAKEN, and are further proof that the scriptures are being fulfilled.
We are living in the times that are JUST PRECEDING THE RETURN OF THE SON OF MAN - Our Savior Jesus Christ - who will bring eternal peace.
I encourage you to watch and Pray as we see out these LAST PRESENT EVIL DAYS.
A prayer for today: "Father, help me to understand and know and redeem the times so I may live in constant preparation for the soon return of Jesus Christ.
Not distracted by the world and its social and political instabilities, but secure in the knowledge of your word that all scriptures will soon be fulfilled.
Help me to "come out from among them" and be separated so that you will receive me into thy Kingdom when my mortal life here is ended, and my immortal life begins with you for eternity.
I ask these mercies in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thank you Father God.
Amen."
