Early this morning I recalled a line or two from the lyrics
of Don McLean’s 1971 song, “Vincent,” a haunting tribute to artist Vincent van
Gogh. The last two lines of his ballad read:
“They would not listen, they’re not listening still. Perhaps
they never will.”
While McLean’s lines related to the tragic life of an artist
who committed suicide, the words drew my thoughts immediately to Bible prophecy
about life on earth during the 7-year period known as “The Tribulation.”
For purposes of this blog, I am going to assume those
reading this are 1) Christian and 2) believers that Christ will draw His church
to meet Him in Heaven before the judgments identified in the Book of Revelation
take place on earth.
McLean’s lyrics pointed me to one particular element of
the devastating reality of this world after all Christians have been “called
up” by Jesus Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Jesus said (Matthew 24:21): “For then there will be great
tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this
time, no, nor ever shall be.”
A sobering reality for those of us who are followers of
Christ is the knowledge that those who do not recognize Jesus as their Lord and
Savior will experience terrible judgment, even unto death.
Will the sudden disappearance of Christians from this earth,
and subsequent acts of judgment by God cause some to repent and be saved to
life eternal with the Father? Yes (God is gracious!).
But there is also dire prophecy regarding that possibility.
Like Pharoah, as told in Exodus (Ex. 10:1), the hearts of
many will be hardened so they are unwilling or unable to receive God’s
invitation to fellowship.
We read in John 12:40: “He hath blinded their eyes, and
hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand
with their heart, and be converted…”
And in Revelation 9:20-21 we are told: “And the rest of the
men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of
their hands … neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries,
nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.”
In other words, many (the vast majority) will continue to defiantly
shake their fists at God right up until the time He destroys this earth and the
gift of salvation is no longer available.
So it is that The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant not
only to encourage believers regarding His plan for us, but to provoke us to
share the gospel with those whose fate is hopeless without Him.
I am reminded this morning that when it comes to the gospel
and His promises, some “are not listening.” It is heartbreaking to come to
grips with the prophetic word that some “never will.”
“Lord, may I be responsive to Your promptings in my daily
life, bold to share the gospel message in a loving way, without fear for how
that message might be received by those who do not yet know You as Lord. You
will build Your church. You, Holy Spirit, will make ready the hearts of those
who will receive. Thank you for the privilege of playing a role in your perfect
plan.”
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