I often ponder why so many people, people I dearly love, are going through some of the darkest times of their life. Why would God of the Universe permit such tragic circumstances and watch as the sin of the world runs rampant? Could it be that He is going to drastic measures to wake up His people before Christ returns to earth? Every day in the news we hear of drug wars, sexual scandals, earthquakes, out of control fires, family members murdered by their own, child molestation, war, famine, hurricanes and on and on. I believe God is using unconventional means to bring His people to Christ. Maybe, the cancer, death, temptations, murder, etc. are permitted as a final attempt to bring salvation to His people.
I recently read in Revelation 5:6 “Then I saw a Lamb standing in the center of the throne and in the middle of the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb looked as if he had been killed. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God that were sent into all the world. 7 The Lamb came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. 8 When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders bowed down before the Lamb. Each one of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s holy people.” I have read Revelations several times, but I was never struck by “the seven spirits of God that was sent into all the world” as I was this time.
I read on to learn more about the seven spirits. In Revelation Chapter 6, “Then I watched while the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse. The rider on the horse held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out, determined to win the victory. 3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given power to take away peace from the earth and to make people kill each other, and he was given a big sword. 5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse, and its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard something that sounded like a voice coming from the middle of the four living creatures. The voice said, “A quart of wheat for a day’s pay, and three quarts of barley for a day’s pay, and do not damage the olive oil and wine!”
You can’t turn on the tv or browse social media without witnessing acts of these spirits; murder and famine are going on all around the world. But, take note, there is still hope in Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. He resides here on Earth relentlessly trying to win the victory, gaining momentum each time you and I share the gospel with others in our paths. Our purpose on this Earth is to turn others to Christ before He gallops in on the white horse, appearing in the clouds, to bring His people home. God sent Christ into the world over 2,000 years ago to save His people. We need only confess our sins and ask Christ into our hearts and by His blood our sins are forgiven with the promise of salvation and eternal life.
As I studied Mark 13 in the First5 app this week, I came across scripture that aligns with the title I created for this writing. It is no coincidence that I didn’t finish this piece on Monday. In Mark 13, Jesus told the disciples about the destruction of the temple that would soon come to pass. He spoke of the end times with the disciples. He told them not to be afraid when they hear about wars and how nations will fight against other nations. He warns of the earthquakes and famine. He also warns about the false prophets that will come and perform great miracles and wonders. All these things must happen before the end comes. Mark 13:32-33 shares a significant Word of Truth, “No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the son. Only the Father knows. Be careful! Always be ready, because you don’t know when that time will be.”
As you celebrate, the Birth of Jesus, with family this year, will you ensure your people know Jesus as their Savior? If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, would you ensure all your friends knew Jesus as the one and only way into Heaven? Do you know someone in need this holiday season that could use a word of hope or possibly some food or drink for their table? Will you take a “time out” to share the love of Jesus with these people? God had a plan for each one of us on the day we were delivered from our mother’s womb. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm; plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
The world is still full of people who don’t know the love of Jesus. Are you travelling through the day in complete complacency, forgoing the opportunity to tell others about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? During Christmas this year, place God at the center of your celebration, tell others about Jesus and give to those in need. And, “Always be ready. Otherwise, he might come back suddenly and find you sleeping. I tell you this, and I say this to everyone. ‘Be ready!’” Mark 13:36-37.
As you rejoice in celebration, remember the reason for the season, and ponder this final question, “When Jesus comes to take His people home, will you be sleeping?”