Consider these scriptures:
Matthew 26:14-16 "...what will you give me..."
Matthew 24:9-10 "...and shall betray one another..."
Ecclesiastes 1:9 "...no new thing under the sun..."
It’s incredible to see just how closely the scenes of the last few weeks have mirrored various parts of Scripture. We have, without a shadow of doubt, turned the last bend on the track and are sprinting toward the finish line.
However, there are a few more hurdles left to navigate before we cross the line and can relax.
How did Jesus put it:
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Jesus’ use of simile in the verse above leaves us without doubt that His second coming to this world is indeed IMMINENT!
In the same that we are appreciating the warmer weather and enjoying the budding flowers, knowing that spring has sprung and summer is on it’s way, we must also know that the His coming is ”even at the doors” when we see the rapid decline of normality and the rapid increase of prophetic realities.
One question that we must all consider though is this:
In the scenes that are playing out before us, what role do I play now? What role will I play later? Every decision we make is saturated with eternal consequences. The decisions that we make today are building the person of tomorrow.
Through the love and providence of God, He has told us what to expect when the the testing and trials come. But, He has also allowed us to see the framework being put in place to aid those who like Judas will betray sacred trusts.
Past and Present:
2020:
'Snitches Get Rewards': Garcetti Encourages Community To Report Businesses Violating Safer At Home Order
"Mayor Eric Garcetti encouraged members of the community to continue reporting businesses that violate the city's Safer at Home order to the city for enforcement."
2019:
"Chinese City Pays Citizens $1,500 to Be a ‘Mini Judas’ and Turn in Christians"
China’s crackdown on Christianity escalated March 20 when the government of the fifth-largest city began issuing rewards to those who report “illegal religious activities,” including house church meetings.
The Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in Guangzhou said it would reward prizes of 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yuan ($450, $750 and $1,500 U.S.) to Chinese citizens who spot and turn in their neighbors to government officials, according to Asia News.
2009:
Get £500 to spy on neighbours - SNOOPING residents are being offered rewards of up to £500 to spy on their neighbours.
Taxpayers’ money is being used to pay “covert human intelligence sources” who report bad conduct to authorities.
Anyone who photographs dog fouling, litter being dropped, graffiti crime or fly tipping which result in prosecution will receive a cash reward.
The amount is staggered, according to how far the prosecution is taken.
If a court summons is issued the snooper gets £100. On a conviction he gets £150 and if the offender gets a maximum sentence he receives £500.
The scheme has been given the Big Brother-style motto “See them, report them”.
The stage is been set!
Meditate on the Word:
John 16:1-3 "...that you should not be offended..."
On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make decisions either for Christ or against Him…Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those who reject the light. DA 630.1
My appeal to you my friend is this:
We have time and opportunity now to ground ourselves into the written and living Word of God. The seeds you sow now in ‘lock down’ will germinate soon and bear fruit…but on which side of the contest?
Galatinans 6:7 “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 “…redeeming the time for the days are evil.”
Strive with everything you are and have to be like the blessed man of Psalm 1.
Maranatha!
References:
DA - The Desire of Ages
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