It has been a while since I last taught out of the Book of Revelation and with all that is going on in the world around us, I started reviewing some of my notes and I found something I had written in my Bible. It was in regard to “Times” – “Time” – and “Seasons,” of which the Lord has warned us are coming. How close are we? My standard answer when asked that question has always been “closer today than yesterday.” But my notes reminded me that not only are we to be aware of what is coming. We are reminded that Jesus has told us all we need to know. However, there are some things we need to focus on in the meantime as the signs become ever more evident every day.
1 Thess 5:1-3 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ESV
Matt 24:3,6-9 … what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” … And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. ESV
The notes I made were a challenge from the Holy Spirit as I was reading in John regarding TIME. They were a reminder that while we are seeing the TIMES become clearer, we are not to fall into fear but take our eyes off the chaos around us and focus on The One who controls all TIME.
Trust
Ps 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? ESV
Integrity
1 Kings 9:4 And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules ESV
Maturity
Heb 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God ESV
Eternity
Deut 33:27 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. ESV
Every time I hear the word TIME, I am reminded to take my eyes off the world’s growing uncertainty and focus on what the Holy Spirit is saying. Yes, it gets harder to hear His still small voice in the midst of the world’s roaring. But if we focus on Trust, Integrity, Maturity, and Eternity, and not on Concern, Worry, Anxiety, and Fear, His voice will become clear regarding are part in preparing the way.
Yes, Time is growing short for this lost world, but don’t forget … we have read the end of The Book.