In Luke 21 Jesus’ disciples were asking what the signs of the end of the age would look like. We have been in the Church age and “last days” since Jesus died and rose from the dead and now the end is closer than before. There has been an anti-christ in each generation, but THE anti-christ truly waiting in the wings? Jesus wanted to illuminate His disciples and teach them how to act and react in the times we’re in. Let’s see what Jesus had to say.
Luke 21:8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.”
This passage packs a lot in! Do not be deceived, do not be terrified. Terrible things must come, but you will be brought before rulers so you can testify of Jesus! Holy Spirit will fill your mouth with wisdom that will confound the wise. Even though you’ll be hated for Christ’s sake, not a hair of your head shall be lost, so let patience possess your souls.
Many of our brothers and sisters in various lands are experiencing persecution as we speak. I’ve heard testimonies of people in jail witnessing to those around them and revival breaking out. There are many testimonies of the Lord’s saving power and provision. Depths of the Father’s love have manifested, miracle provisions strengthened, and healings, signs and miracles have paved the way for the Gospel. These days I pray the fruits of the Spirit be so ripe in me they squirt out of me when I’m squeezed.
So, are we to prepare for “Jacob’s troubles”; hide away, buy gold and precious metals, stockpile food, water, TOILET PAPER?? Should we despair, throw up our hands and look for Jesus to come on the clouds? Or are we poised for a third Great Awakening and the biggest revival ever?
Mark 13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. *Literally birth pangs
Listening to various prophets and aligning their words with Scripture, I believe we are amid birth pangs. If you’ve ever experienced actual birth pangs, you know they are not steady or intense at first. As labor proceeds, the pains come more frequent, steady and increase in intensity. I’ve had labors last about four hours, although it could have been longer. First labor I had a foot pressing on my rib the entire day before and didn’t go into noticeable labor until my water broke at 11 p.m. and we headed to the hospital and delivered within less than an hour. My fourth pregnancy I started bleeding before I really had any contractions, put in a birthing bed at midnight with erratic contractions until they administered pitocin at 10 A.M. and delivered our third son about an hour later. Before hard, fast contractions, that labor had simmered for most of 12 hours. In these days of increasing pressure and persecution; Spirit labor pains, how should we conduct ourselves as the Body of Christ? Let’s look at some more Scriptures.
Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Let your spirit take over and commune with God’s Holy Spirit. Encourage and admonish each other and spur each other on to magnificent works and thanksgiving.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Keep your heart in the Word and keep a sweet word on your tongue. Filled with the Holy Spirit, this gets much easier!
1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Be patient and humble, letting all your anxious thoughts and angry thoughts lay on God. This means stop watching all the dire news and perilous predictions. Many come from the second heaven where the devil resides. Don’t take to heart the prophecies and dreams reported that glorify the enemy. Ask the Lord to give you visions and dreams about what He is doing. Ask Him to give you understanding. This is part of the relationship Jesus bought us by His sacrifice. Join King Jesus being salt and light in your part of this darkening world.
Philippians 1:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
As our warfare against evil continues. Forget the things behind because they’re gone forever. Reach forward to the things ahead as you rest in the Father’s love and provision for this day. Keep pressing on to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Fight the good fight and pray for God’s will to be done. I have joined the prayer movement found at:
This is not just for the USA; other nations are joining as well. I encourage you to go to this site and sign up for an hour to pray for our nation from now through November. I chose 6-7 a.m. Monday -Friday. This may become a normal routine and continue past the elections! In these troubled, awesome times, I pray Shalom be upon my dear readers!
Musings along life's journey 