The Spirit Beckons You (Part II) What About the Weather, Fires & Floods?
“This know also, that in the last days perilous (dangerous) times shall come” (2 Tim. 3:1). Have you ever known such troublesome days that we are seeing around our world? A storm now consists of rains that flood; winds that destroy; large hail stones; and lightning that rips and burns. Communities are leveled by tornadoes leaving behind death in its trail. Fires are burning out of control. There are wars and earthquakes in many places. Jesus asks in Matthew 16:3, “…can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Romans 8:19 tells us that the whole creation waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be revealed (a disclosing of their sonship). The creation is frustrated because of its bondage to decay and corruption but has hopes of deliverance (v.20&21). We read in Jeremiah 12:4,11, “How long must the land mourn and the grass and herbs of the whole country wither? Through the wickedness of those who dwell in it, the beasts and the birds are consumed and are swept away [by the drought], because men [mocked] me, saying, He shall not [live to] see our final end. …the whole land has been made desolate, but no man lays it to heart.” Does your heart grieve because of the suffering of man, animals, our vegetation, waters, and soil? Man has mocked God; has mocked His Word and Ways. To disobey God is to mock Him! So is God judging the world because of man’s wickedness. Man’s wickedness has caused the protective hand of God to be somewhat lifted. Man has caused the problems in creation. We see in Deuteronomy 28 that when man obeys, he is blessed; but when he does not, he is cursed. God sets before us blessing or cursing – a blessing if we obey the commandments of the Lord our God; and a curse, if we do not obey the commandments of the Lord our God (Deut. 11:26-28). Oh, we desire the blessings, but if we do not choose to live right with God, we choose the curse.
The creation is moaning in the pains of labor until now. I believe that the creation is longing for the return of Jesus when He sets up His kingdom upon this earth. No, not as it is now, but a perfect earth. We are “looking for a hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless we according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:12&13). Until then, we are seeing the earth travailing in birth pains (the beginning of sorrows – Mt. 24:8). I believe that we are seeing the forerunners of tribulation. Jesus said, “…When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Lk. 21:28).
The Spirit beckons you and me to come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and He will give you rest (Mt. 11:28). He calls us to dwell (to remain or abide) in the secret place of the most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He will be our refuge and our fortress and our deliverer (Ps. 91). No matter what comes our way; when we are in God’s will, His grace (His ability) will be sufficient for us. (To be continued).