In Part II we were questioning whether Christians really do believe and understand God's Words in the law and the prophets. Jesus Christ is the Word, so we want to press on always to understand and to know Him, His mind and His will.
Isaiah 62:1-5 says, For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning and the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will designate. You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate"; but you will be called, "My delight is in her," and your land, "Married"; for the LORD delights in you, and in Him your land will be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you." Who are these people in whom He has delight, and which is this once-desolate land that is now theirs?
What about these powerful words from Luke: He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God (Yahweh) will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end. Luke 1:32,33. And continuing in Luke 1:49-55, Mary, the mother of Jesus says, The Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation towards those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.
Do you think Christians understand that God's people have a new name, a new land, and are one with Christ? Do they believe the Word that says that He is the King who will sit on the throne of His father David and rule over the house of Jacob, God's Christian people, forever? Do Christians believe the Word that says that David shall never want (lack) a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel? Jeremiah 33:17. We know His word is true, so we must ask where is that throne today? Do Christians understand there are two resurrections? Are Christians aspiring to be included in the first one? Do they understand that there is no general "rapture" of all Christians? What does "saved" mean, anyway? What does it mean to be an overcomer? Why do I keep hearing that the tribulation is coming soon when the killing of men because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God has been going on for 2,000 years already? It will soon be all over! He will raise up His overcomers, His elect, to receive His kingdom and rule righteously with His mind, will (Word) and understanding. This coming righteous Kingdom will be on earth, not somewhere high up in "heaven." Heavenly things will come to earth, where Christ is King, ruling from the throne which David's seed has ocupied through the years. He will rule in His Kingdom in loving kindness, righteousness, peace and justice.
The time is near. We are already into the time of the 7th day Sabbath of rest (represented by the Feast of Tabnernacles), and His appearing is close, very close. There are some things left to be finished.l Don't tell me about the Man of Sin. He's been ruling for a long, long time. Babylon's captivity is ending, and the time of Edom's dominion is over. Edom will be crushed (See Obadiah). There is more to be exposed in order that the church will become convinced of their need to repent before God, but that is very soon to come, Hardship will bring it to pass.
Fret not! He has promised, has He not, to perfect (mature) us! We must seek Him sincerely, with all of our heart, and He will hear us. We are His workmanship, and He has promised that He will finish His work in us!
I write this to encourage us all to face what is coming with peace in our hearts, expectancy, deep faith and trust in our magnificent God, knowing that He is faithful and true. He has a wonderful plan to reveal Himself and His Truth to all, and we want to be part of it. Trust Him! Be a believer, be a lover, be a forgiver.
We will have homelessness and hunger, and we may have war here in our land with the attendant consequences. If not war, we will have natural phenomena occur such as earthquakes, which will disrupt our infrastructure, as would war. This year or more probably subsequent years, will be very difficult for everyone. We are transitioning into a new age, and we've been warned it wil not be easy. Suffering will be widespread for a short time because people have not believed the Word of God, all the Word, who is the Christ (Yahshua).
For those who are trusting in Christ the Word, it will be a glorious time. Test yourself. If there are parts of the Word you have not read lately,k read it all again, and again, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the true and deeper meaning of it to you. He wants us to know Him and to be ready Turn off the radio. Turn off the TV. Make everything quiet. Listen to His voice. Read His Word. Seek His face. Ask Him to give you wisdom and understanding. We will all need more and more of it.
Hear, you deaf! And look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, or so deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is so blind a he that is at peace with Me, or so blind as the servant of the LORD? You have seen many things, but you do not observe them, your ears are open, but none hears. The LORD was pleased for His righteousness sake to make the law great and glorious.l But this is a people plundered and despoiled; all of them are trapped in caves, or are hidden away in prisons; they have become a prey with none to dekliver them, and a spoil, with none to say, "Give them back!" Who among you will give ear to this? Who will give heed and listen hereafter? Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned, and in whose ways they were not willing to walk,k and whose law they did not obey? So He poured out on him the heat of His anger and the fierceness of battle; and it set him aflame all around, yet he did not recognize it; and it burned him, but he paid no attention. Isaiah 42:18-25.
In the days now coming, we will pay attention to the burning flame of the Word of God which comes to correct us and draw us to Himself. He will bring forth His fiery judgment in the form of the Sword and the Spirit of the LORD, and when it is time, will say, Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you. And nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising... Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice. the wealth of the nations will come to you... for the name of the LORD your God, and for the Holy Obne of Israel because He has glorified you. Isaiah 60:1-3, 5, 9.
