Ever seen a magician perform a disappearing act on stage? Amusing isn’t it? One moment you see him clearly with both your eyes, the next instant he’s gone. Have you ever seen a magician making the whole crowd disappear? I haven’t heard of such an occurrence. But there’s a story in the Bible where it predicts just that.
Don't focus on the line - Pursue God's heart
This entry is inspired by the message I’m preparing for March 20, 2010 to be given in Jzone Alabang 4:00pm for the ‘Signs of the times’ series.
I’m sure all of us have encountered the word ‘rapture’ at least once in our lives. The word means ‘to be instantly caught up’. The word is found in the Bible:
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17
We have already established that we are near the time when this event called the Rapture will occur in the series we’re going through in CCF – “Signs of the Times”. But let us review all of the ‘big signs’ that has been revealed to us by current events happening in real-time in our world today.
1: The rebirth of Israel in May 1948
For two thousand years there is no country in the whole Earth named Israel. Prophesied by Ezekiel, this has come to pass during our generation.
2: The rise of Russia and other nations against Israel
Russia and Iran has recently created an alliance in terms of military ties and has set their eyes against Israel. For centuries they have been enemies and their interests with each other has never been more than detrimental.
3: Revived Rome
The EU which has once currency – the Euro. They are composed of 10 nations – the 10 toes of the mixed iron and clay feet of the statue in Daniel’s dream. Their symbols and brands carry images described from revelations.
4: Earthquakes
Need I say more?
Coincidence? How can you conclude that it is when it is 100% aligned with the prophecies in the Bible concerning the end times?
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19
The rapture is real and we have heard so many messages about it already that I would not focus on what will happen but what HAS to happen in our lives now that we know and are filled with the knowledge of this coming event.
We have to realize that now more than ever we know that we are at the hands of the living God.
And if He so chooses, He can snuff the life out of us in a whim. Who can be safe from His wrath? Who can hide from His anger? Only His hand is keeping you safe. Only His will keeps you alive and only His love stays the breath of life in your being.
We have to realize that the times are changing and God will be mightily involved in the affairs of the world now more than ever. Live your life with that in mind. Change your heart and may your desire be for Him – to pursue His heart. Because when push comes to shove and life shakes you then you realize that this world is just an illusion – a facade marred by the sins of mankind and the evil in the hearts of men.
The reality of it all will become clear when Christ returns to take us with Him in that glorious day. Only in that day will your two eyes see what is real – the kingdom of God.
Don’t focus on are you going to heaven or hell – for Christianity isn’t about going to heaven or hell. It’s about a relationship. Pursue God’s heart. Know Him for Christ can tell you that He doesn’t know you for you did not have that relationship with Him.
Again we come to the point where we come back to your communication with God which is your quiet time. Your quiet time, which is your time to read the Bible and pray is your time of communication with God. And without communication, a relationship will not grow. So talk to Him. For Christianity, again, is about a relationship – your relationship with God
Forget the line. Sometimes we focus on it too much that if we are on the safe side we stop looking for God and just paste our eyes on the line to make sure we’re safe and that we’re going to heaven!
How can you face your Lord when all you did was look and make sure you’re on the right side of the line? And when you’re facing the line, you’re surely facing the other side rather than facing towards God and His heart – you’re gonna be thoroughly tempted about what you’re facing. You’re not moving in any way towards Him. But you’re stagnant. Sooner or later you’ll find yourself stepping over with one toe, then with one foot, then half your body, next thing you know, the line’s far behind you and God is nowhere in sight.
Be careful and keep watch for this is the time when you have to pursue God’s heart with utmost intensity. Thirst and pant for Him as David did. Revel in His majesty for even the heavens declare it before us.
Do not focus on the line. Focus on God.
My challenge to you dear readers
Live your life knowing that we’ll be caught up soon with Him. Don’t focus on what you don’t have to do, set your eyes on what you have to do. Christianity can be a religion with a set of rules and traditions or it can be a relationship of love with a person who died for you and is coming to take you away with Him to paradise.
