Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:32-33
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:21-23
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:35
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
Eschatology = A belief or a doctrine concerning the ultimate or final things, such as death, the destiny of humanity, the Second Coming, or the Last Judgment.
There has always been the debate throughout the centuries about the final tribulation time. Yet …Jesus says we all will have tribulation(s) if we are actually His. The clerics and academics have been playing the eschatology ‘fear game’ with the people of trying to predict when the final tribulation will start, and what it will be like and if and when God we ‘take us’ through a ‘rapture’ event. To me this is a ‘rich’ man’s game or worries. So many of my brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe presently are under severe tribulation and suffering — and I’m pretty sure they’re not concerned about when the seven year tribulation will begin or what it will be like. Why? They are just trying to serve Jesus in the here and now while enduring great pain and suffering — even to the loss of their lives of themselves and their whole families. Yes … that is happening whether we read it in the main stream press or not. The enemy doesn’t like to make known that type of horrendous evil that is going on or that it is increasing. Look at what push back has happened just with that little film Sound of Freedom.
It doesn’t take a genius or great theological academic or a prophet to know the global condition is worsening and those with evil intent are gathering to figure out how to gain complete global control. Yet — so many in the American Church are trying to figure out when the ‘rapture bus’ will arrive and escort them out of any suffering or every pain, That isn’t the correct goal. The goal is to serve Jesus in any and every circumstance He has us in ..presently. To be about His business until He calls us home — either individually or together. Our goal is to encourage one another to be about what Jesus has called each of to do through the Word to all those around us. It’s about complete love and trust in Him. Do you trust Him well enough if you were to face suffering, pain, and torture? Don’t you think He will be with you through that time if that were to happen? Do you trust Him to give you the strength to endure it when you are facing it? How has He been there for you through all you previous life challenges? Have you recognized His Presence in those times?
How committed are you to Him? Or are you like the soil where the seed fell on rocky ground?
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. Matthew 13:20-21
Has Jesus given you any tougher assignments? Have you had to endure hardship for His Name? Have you been through any testing?
Listen and ponder James’ words…
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Do you have any inkling as to what He has prepared for His faithful bride? Have you had glimpses of His heavenly kingdom?
Be about the present moment. Ask Him to help you hear Him better and to be aware of His Presence in this current moment. Tribulation is promised. Are you ready today for what is to come?
My advice? … Press into Him today. Ask the Holy Spirit to be clear in your mind and heart.