A Lack of Understanding
I have seen a number of references lately to “understanding the times”. I believe this is a very interesting statement, as it is only by understanding the times we are in today that we can see what is really happening in the world. Unfortunately, most people in our Israel nations have no understanding, not only of the times, but of prophecy in the Bible. I am amazed at how many churches do not even preach or talk on this subject. If they talk about it at all, it always seems to follow the futurist view which allows for a horrible seven year period of horrific events happening to the people on earth while the Christians have been taken away in the rapture. The true understanding of what is happening today begins with having at least some understanding of God’s plan. His plan has been in effect from the beginning of creation, and it is nearing the completion of man’s rule on this earth. He is allowing all the things that are happening today because they fit with His plan. We must not fear these things because God is working out His purpose and He will be with us through it all. Those who do not have their salvation in Jesus Christ are even more confused. They appear to want to just stick their heads in the sand and ignore what is happening, hoping it will fix itself. When you try to speak of these things, they are doubtful, suspicious, deniers, unsure and do not want to listen. It is hard to start a conversation with them about our Lord and what is now happening, but hopefully, soon God will open their eyes and ears to understanding. I have a few good Christian friends, but even they get quiet when I mention we are in the end times just before the Lord’s return! We just have to be ready to speak as events unfold.
It is so comforting knowing that events are unfolding as God has planned and although our enemies want us to think they are in control, we know they only have a short time left before their destruction.
Our God knows everything from the beginning to the end. Nothing is surprising to Him, and His Israel nations are in His hands. All that is happening today is understood by those who have studied the Word of God and know the history of God’s true people. He is working out His plan with them and we can see it happening. We realize the time is short, but He is with us and guiding us. We will understand and be ready, but many will not because they don’t understand, or know God’s plan for His people, and ultimately for the world. Isaiah 44:1-8 says, “Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.”
He says again in Revelation 22:12-14 that He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last and He is coming quickly!! “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” We pray that as events unfold many will come to know the Lord and begin to understand before He comes, as that appears to be soon.
– “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11 KJV )
