August 4, 2005

 

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. …

 

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. …

 

And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

--Mark 13:24-26, 32-33, 37

 

During post-tribulation manifestation, God will shake His creation. He will demonstrate control as the moon, sun, and stars bounce across the skies. And while it appears that God will be absent from the tribulation, and that Satan will have taken control, God will shake the universe one more time to say, “I’m in control here!”

 

Sometimes people think that they are in control of their own lives, destinies, and futures. But then God will come in and shake them to the core and show them who is boss. Anytime anyone turns their back on Christ, he or she can expect catastrophic events to follow.

 

When Jesus hung upon the cross, forsaken by man and God, there were catastrophic events that took place. Earthquakes shook the ground, graves gave up the dead, and the sky turned as black as midnight at three o’clock in the afternoon. There were powerful events that signaled the death of Jesus. God was in control even though man turned his back on Jesus. And when Jesus returns, God will shake the world again.

 

Jesus is coming again in great glory. He came the first time in humility, but He’ll come the second time in honor and power. He came the first time to suffer and die on the cross for our sins, but He’ll come again to reign and rule as King of kings and Lord of lords. And the beautiful part of it all is that we’ll be going with Him!

 

In Mark 13, Jesus wrapped up the Olivet Discourse with two parables. First, He said He’d be watching and waiting, so be prepared! Be looking for the Blessed Hope. Live every day in expectation of His glorious and promised return. Today could be the day!

 

Second—be working. Don’t be “sleeping” when Christ returns, but be ready, witnessing, and sharing Christ with others. Daily tell as many people as possible about Christ and His return. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, do it today! If your heart isn’t right with Him, make it right now. Don’t count on another opportunity in the future. Jesus is at the door. The future is now!

 

BE ALERT, BUT DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BECAUSE THE

DARKEST HOUR COMES JUST BEFORE THE DAWN!