At this time of great global crisis, we are facing new challenges that humanity has never experienced before.
In Italy, in less than a month, our lives have changed completely – for the worse. Suddenly, we found ourselves socially isolated, forced by law to remain confined to our homes. The economy and manufacturing sector have largely shut down, and hundreds of thousands of people already have no idea how they will manage, now without work, money or prospects. The political system is disoriented and unable to take effective action. The administrative system is struggling to implement so many new, confusing rules issued on a daily basis. The judicial system has almost ceased to function, and urgent cases are being delayed beyond all reason. The media and social networks are bombarding people with ‘Coronavirus-only’ content, including daily pandemic projections, death tolls, fake news and false hopes. All social and religious gatherings, regardless of the number of people involved, are prohibited by law. Meanwhile, people continue to die and become infected. It is not over yet, not by a long shot. What times we live in!
Many argue that we are not yet approaching the end times, as, to a certain extent, such things have always happened. Others say that this pandemic is merely a stark warning, but that afterwards “everything will be fine”. Others say that the final process of the last days has, in fact, already begun.
It seems reasonable to think that:
– this global crisis is a special warning. At least for the saints of the Most High who are on earth.
– perhaps we are living in the time when the ten virgins must quickly procure reserve oil, as having an ordinary portion of it may soon not be enough to follow Yeshua.
– it is certainly time to continue to support our brothers in ministry in the house of the Lord, rather than treating them badly and using the community’s money and personal influence to enjoy the pleasures of the world.
– it is undoubtedly time to continue using our talents to bear fruit for King Yeshua.
For now, however, it is merely a virus that threatens us. But one day it will be the turn of persecution and betrayal. Some Christians feel lost, mistreated and angry simply because someone has stopped their church meetings, or closed their workplace, or prevented them from moving freely within the country, thereby restricting their ‘constitutional rights’. But what will happen when, because of our faith in Yeshua, some of us are killed or imprisoned, or our women raped, or our homes and businesses destroyed? Would we still be ready and willing to continue praying, “Thy Kingdom come”? Surely we know that, in view of the King’s return, situations and circumstances must occur that are comparable in force, intensity and frequency to the pains of childbirth! And this brings about purification in the body.
As fellow citizens of God’s people and members of His family, it would be wise to ask ourselves at least: “What lesson can we learn?” and “Would we be ready for the last days?”, rather than giving vent to our indignation at political “injustices” or wasting time speculating on conspiracy theories. And here I offer some answers and personal reflections.
Regarding the first question
:
– we could learn that we are mortal, not omnipotent, and fear God!
– We could rediscover the values of family, mutual care and love. How long have we lived socially isolated in our homes, to the point of having no intimacy with our family members? How little have we prayed for the lost members of our families and cried out to God to save them? How often have we not been bold enough to proclaim the truth within our families? How often have we lacked the courage to pray for a sick person in our homes? How often have we failed to care for the elderly in our families, or to honour them according to God’s commandments?
– We should return to a simple and authentic ‘church’ life. In less than a month, the premises of all churches, from cathedrals to small chapels, as well as the grand stages, the powerful lights, the cameras, the large bands, the powerful sound systems, the shows and the dancing flags, the pompous ceremonies, the crowds, as well as the queues of people wishing to be touched by a ‘powerful’ minister have vanished, like something that now belongs to the distant past. The great ministries, named after men or women, have already disappeared because of their uselessness. Let us therefore return to our homes as a gathering place for believers! Let us return to spreading the Gospel from person to person! Let us take on the responsibility of being God’s royal priests!
– We have the opportunity to rediscover the values of friendship, rather than emphasising titles; to be a living collective body, rather than continuing to create dead corporate structures; to find joy in being generous, rather than increasing budgets and revenues.
– The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the humble, and only the meek shall inherit the earth.
As for the second question
:
– The birth pangs began when Yeshua ascended to heaven, sat at the right hand of the Father, poured out the Holy Spirit upon His church, and began to win hearts through His saints.
– It is fair to say that the signs of the end are now more frequent, intense and widespread than before. Just as during labour, when birth is approaching.
– Imagine if an angel of the Lord appeared to you saying:
o The final stage of birth has already begun.
o The events written in the book are not in chronological order, and it is not possible to know when each one will occur. It cannot be predicted by men, unless the Word is in vain, for Yeshua himself said that only the Father knows when the Messiah will return.
o Feel the urgency to get moving and take action. I have prepared you for a time like this, when everything will accelerate and be intensified. I will give you my words and my power, and you will bring many across to the other side, whilst events will come to a head when the world least expects it.
o Warn people to be watchful and prepared to lose everything for Yeshua’s sake and to preach the Good News of the Kingdom throughout the world. Be my trumpet to ears that have never heard it before. Warn them that the time will be short, intense and concentrated.
o It will no longer be possible to say: ‘I will get to know the Lord, prepare myself and learn’.
o The scroll of the book was opened 2,000 years ago and, over the millennia, many of the events written within it have already taken place, to some extent. There will, however, be a climax that will unfold in such a way that only the few who are ready will be able to say, ‘It is coming!’
What would you think? Or do? Would you still say, ‘Here I am, Lord’?
ARE WE REALLY READY?
Time is short. Certainly shorter than it was 2,000 years ago. We know that this world in its present form will soon pass away. Therefore, lift up your eyes and your heart to heaven, for the King will surely come soon!
Maran atha!