How long, O Lord?

I had someone ask me recently about the duration of all this. My friend intimated that I've been talking about this stuff for almost three years now, when's it gonna GET here? Sooo, could I be wrong in translating the news of the world in terms of an imminent prophetic event? Am I wrong? Am I promoting an imminence that is false? Let's take a look at that notion, biblically.

Generally, time has no meaning. Our life is "but a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes away." (James 4:14).  I ask, what's 3 years in the face of eternity future? In the face of 6000 years past? In front of a God to whom a day is a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day? (2 Peter 3:8). He has the full measure of the timing He wants. He waits until the grapes of wrath are fully ripe, even a little overripe, (Rev 15:16). He waits until the entire measure of the iniquity is filled (Gen 15:16). He waits until the full number of Gentiles are come in. (Romans 11:25).

Now, more specifically, in 1948 Israel was born, and that was a huge end times sign. It was a direct Hand of God moment. And by most interpretations the generation who sees that will not pass away before seeing all these things come to pass.(Mt 24:34). No one who is alert and studious can fail to notice the signs. Over these last 3 years the US has fallen from prominence, half the work force is on food stamps, crime is up nationally 41%, homelessness and bankruptcies are a tidal wave upon the banks, which are failing at an exponential number since 2007. Even John MacArthur said this week that America's judgment must truly be imminent.

Now even more specifically, I referenced the scripture about "peace and security" which is from 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Paul is talking about the period of judgment called The Day of the Lord, and the Second Coming. Here is the verse: "For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape." Now here is the rest of the verse:

"But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." Though Paul is talking about the judgment period of the Tribulation, we can back-extrapolate the principle he is explaining, to us at the threshold of that time. Understanding the signs, understanding our position as the generation placed here at Divine will to accomplish His purposes in these last days, understanding that time means nothing, how does the bible say we are supposed to live? As a child of the light, alert and sober! Here is what that means:

Barnes Notes: "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief - The allusion here is to the manner in which a thief or robber accomplishes his purpose. He comes in the night, when people are asleep. So, says the apostle, the Lord will come to the wicked. They are like those who are asleep when the thief comes upon them. But it is not so with Christians. They are, in relation to the coming of the day of the Lord, as people are who are awake when the robber comes. They could see his approach, and could prepare for it, so that it would not take them by surprise."

We will not be surprised. Why? We are not asleep! We see His approach. We prepare for it! We who are soulfully injured by blasphemy, evil, iniquity, sin...should and do pray for His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 says, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Not only is it right to expect Him to appear any day, any moment, and to live for Him completely as if this moment could be our last to serve him on earth forever, but we receive a crown as a reward for eager anticipation!

For those who may be flagging...may be tiring from expectancy and anticipation: Habakkuk, that wise old prophet, recorded what God had to say about that: 

For the vision is yet for the appointed time; 
It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. 
Though it tarries, wait for it; 
For it will certainly come, it will not delay. (Hab 2:3)

Comments

  1. AMEN. Waiting eagerly, Lord... I long for your coming. But in Your perfect time....

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  2. This is an awesome post!!!

    I have friends and family that are not saved and there are still so many that are lost and seeking and need Christ. I also think about the sweep of salvation currently occurring in the middle east and countries where Christianity is repressed and it immediately makes me remember where God's focus is. He had mercy to wait for me before snatching His bride away and He has mercy to wait for those He knows will come to Him in this age. God is so so wonderful!

    I also truly understand how this person feels! Just a month ago, I remember being so weary because I wanted Jesus to come now now now. I think the more you know of what is going on in the world, the more you long for Christ. God has done something for me though! I still long for Christ but the joy that He has given me when He reminds me what we all have to look forward to is stronger than the pang of being here. I used to be one of those people that would just feel burdened about all the horrible, unfair things in our global society and on earth. You find out more things almost everyday while God has always known all these things. Now the Holy Spirit comforts my heart with His promise of a new heaven and earth that will be perfect and ruled by the one and perfect King.

    At the end of the day, All His promises are still waiting for us, they will always stand but this life that we have now, this race we are running, our tasks to share the gospel...well, our night is soon coming and once we are snatched away, we are gone from this (corrupted) world! Maranantha!!!

    - Debbie

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  3. I thought of this post today when I read your post. I've been to Glen Coe and it is stunning, like a shadow of heaven here on earth - how I am looking forward to heaven!

    http://jcrylequotes.com/2011/07/04/rest-and-be-thankful/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

    There is a pass in Scotland called Glencoe, [see picture above] which supplies a beautiful illustration of what heaven will be to the person who comes to Christ. The road through Glencoe carries the traveler up a long and steep ascent, with many a little winding and many a little turn in its course. But when the top of the pass is reached, a stone is seen by the wayside [see picture below], with these simple words engraved on it, “Rest, and be thankful.”

    Reader, those words describe the feelings with which every one who comes to Christ will enter heaven. The summit of the narrow way will be won. We shall cease from our weary journeying, and sit down in the kingdom of God. We shall look back over all the way of life with thankfulness, and see the perfect wisdom of every little winding and turn in the steep ascent by which we were led. We shall forget the toils of the upward journey in the glorious rest. Thanks be unto God, a day is coming when believers shall rest perfectly, and be thankful.

    ~ J.C. Ryle

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  4. I keep asking "how long oh Lord till you come?"
    I was thinking this morning about this very thing. I long to see His face and my late wife who is already there. But if He called my name today I would not be able to be a part of peoples lives who are here (or left behind) and be a witness to those who are lost. So I hold on to the scripture "to live is Christ, to die is gain." He has the perfect time
    Blessings,
    Ken

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  5. Dear Elizabeth, have you ever seen "Pretrib Rapture - Hidden Facts," "Pretrib Rapture Secrecy," and "Famous Rapture Watchers" on engines such as Google? Found your good blog. Lord bless. Polly

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  6. --Polly we have been thru this before.
    --Those sites attempt to debunk pretribulation rapture, some of them debunking the rapture doctrine itself.
    --Yes, my blog is good. Thank you. You'll keep reading, I hope

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