Click to join the conversation with over 500,000 Pentecostal believers and scholars
Click to get our FREE MOBILE APP and stay connected
| PentecostalTheology.com
(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)
There are so many somber and serious events in this world that we, as writers and “watchmen on the wall” (Ezekiel 33:6), must study, consider, and put out to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
At the same time, we hope and pray that we will reach many unbelievers who are looking for answers or can’t understand what they see happening in the world.
I know that Rapture Ready is reaching out over all the world (or at least a vast part of it), based on the emails I have been blessed to receive from such diverse places as New Zealand, Australia, and even South Africa.
It follows then that it is a strong indicator of just how many people are reached each week by this much-blessed and beloved website.
I can’t speak for any of my other sisters and brothers who author these articles and commentaries, but sometimes the study of current events and “news” stories almost overwhelms me with a terrible sadness. It is a burden/blessing we soberly accept in our service for the Lord Jesus as we help in growing and strengthening our forever family.
I, for one, wouldn’t give it up for any reason, and I’m confident that none of the others would either.
That said, I would like to depart from some of that in this commentary and just engage in some joyful speculation and consider some of the wonderful hints in scripture of the Glory and Wonder of God.
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9).
Singing Trees, Mountains, and Fields? Rivers and Trees that clap their hands?
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness” (Psalms 96:11-13).
“You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up; they will make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed” (Isaiah 55:12-13).
“Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth” (1 Chronicles 16:33).
“Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy” (Psalm 98:8).
Will all these things literally be fulfilled in some fashion that we cannot fathom? I don’t know, of course, but I certainly look forward to seeing it as God intends it to be.
“Every word of God is flawless: He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (Proverbs 30:5).
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible“ (Matthew 19:26).
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now“ (Romans 8:18-22).
I have added emphasis in the above verses to link the common theme in them: that is, we have a promise from our God who created all these things — a condition that is incomprehensible to us in our present existence but is certainly going to come to pass as a revelation of His Glory and a permanent gift to those who love Him.
“So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:17-18).
And that, I might remind my sisters and brothers, is forever!
I have always loved “fluffy” endings of movies and stories, even when they seemed a little “over the top,” to quote a phrase I often heard when being teased about it. Movies such as the wonderful Christian film, “Facing the Giants.” And, by the same brothers and sisters: “Flywheel” and “Fireproof.”
Movies with merit, abounding in Hope and ending in joyful gratitude to a loving God.
We, as Sons and Daughters of God, saved from the consequences of our sins by our Beloved Jesus, are in for the most incredible “fluffy” ending ever. And we have been told that we cannot fathom just how wonderful it is intended to be by the One and Only God – El Shaddai! God Almighty!
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9).
That is certainly a reason to “Selah,” is it not?
Yes, this is a “fluffy” commentary. It has no sharp edges, and it is just what I needed this morning. I hope it is just what you needed as well.
I’m going to take a break and go to my church and enjoy my sisters and brothers, the kids in their energy and noise, and my much beloved and appreciated Pastor.
I hope you do as well, and if you don’t happen to have a church you can go to, then you’re welcome to come to ours. It is live-streamed and archived as well.
Here is the link: https://westbuxtonbaptist.com/. Just click on the red bar and you’re in!
My sisters, brothers, and anyone who may respond to the message below:
“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
If you have been watching the events of this world (and who hasn’t?) and feel the tug of the God who loves you to seek Him out, then here is the special message I promised you:
For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life.
You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. The peace that passes understanding.
It requires that you come before God on His terms.
And, what are His terms according to His Word?
- Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).
- Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).
- That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
- To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.
- Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross.
- To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.
God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.
- No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.
- No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.
- Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.
If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus, and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.
“Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life” (John 5:24).
There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.
The answers are in the Word of God—The Bible. If you ask God, with all your heart, He will hear you.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Pro Salvator Vigilans
To contact me: canoeman96@gmail.com
The post Time For Some Joyful Speculation :: By Dave Hubley appeared first on Rapture Ready.
