Share Jesus now, before it's too late

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.”

As always, God delivers on His promise

Today I express my gratitude to the Lord, and to a pastor who has been relentlessly faithful to his calling as a teacher, for the riches He has shared in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

This is the only book of the Bible that opens with a promised blessing to those who "hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it." (Rev. 1:3)

It is also a book of the Bible that is tragically ignored by many Christians and their pastors.

"Too complicated, too mysterious," say some.

"Too harsh, too violent," say others.

In fact, there are many elements of this prophetic writing that leave us asking questions that cannot be answered. Many questions, however, ARE answered because this book -- the revelation of Jesus Himself -- reflects heavily on God's truth as recorded in the other 65 books of the Bible. It also contains not only John's vision, but the words of Jesus Christ Himself.

To those who resist prophecy I would remind them that roughly one-third of God's inspired Word is prophetic. Much prophecy has been fulfilled. The fulfillment of other prophecies lies in the future.

To those who say, "We cannot know the day or the hour," I remind them that God's prophecy is 100 percent accurate! He calls us in numerous Scriptures to keep our eyes open -- to be alert regarding unfulfilled prophecy including the return of Jesus!

The truth about Christ's return for His church is scattered throughout the Bible, but that promise is made particularly vivid in the Book of Revelation.

"The end of this world" will indeed be accompanied by judgment of those who deny God and the grace He has extended through Jesus, our Redeemer. It must be recognized, however, that judgment and eternal separation from God is actually the choice of each individual.

Unlike other creatures, God created us in His image. He has blessed us with the freedom to choose life surrendered to Him (relationship!) -- or to deny Him and attempt to embrace "the truth" as we define it.

One of the many "jewels" contained in the Book of Revelation is the promise that through Jesus Christ and His decision to honor God's plan, those of us who call Him Lord were "judged" at the cross. Our names have been recorded in the Book of Life, and our eternal "fate" is an indescribable, joyous future in His presence.

The Book of Revelation is a book of hope and promises. It is also a blunt prophecy of future events that should inspire us -- convict us -- to share the Good News with others in hopes they will answer the Father's love call and be spared an eternity of separation from Him.

For those who have not studied the Book of Revelation, I recommend the Blue Letter Bible (blueletterbible.org), a free website that features not only the Scriptures, but study features and commentaries by teachers. I pray that the words of this precious book will be received in your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled ... In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

Revelation 22:20-21 "He Who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen."

The Father does not 'tarry'

Morning devotions with Charles Spurgeon served as a reminder that even though the trials of this world prompt us on occasion to cry out "Come, Lord Jesus," it is His timing and purposes that we should embrace with our whole hearts.

"Why do you tarry?" we ask in moments of weakness. God's plan for each of His children is the perfect plan, Spurgeon notes:

"We are here that we might live unto the Lord (Romans 14:8), and might bring others to know His love."

The preacher continues: "We remain on this earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as plowmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the 'salt of the earth,' to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life."

Oh, Lord, we thank you for the gift of grace and the reality of relationship with You NOW and through eternity. We thank you for the gifts, experiences and supernatural promptings You equip us with in this walk. We know You understand your children's desires to be with You, but we pray you will give us patience and passion as we serve You in trust and obedience in this life until we are called home. Amen.

Two made one in Christ!

What a great reward God gave me this morning as I opened His book to Romans 16.

This closing section to Paul's letter to the Romans is filled with words of encouragement to brothers and sisters in Christ, including several couples.

I was reminded of the wonder of a Christian marriage -- two bound together spiritually as one in a relationship often used to describe Christ's relationship with the church.

In verse three Paul acknowledges the husband and wife team of Priscilla and Aquila, "my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks..."

It is made clear in other letters from Paul that this couple played a vital role, not only in his life but in the life of the early church. How like the Father to inspire Paul to specifically, personally cite the names of so many as a reminder to us that each and every believer -- each and every Christian couple -- plays an important role in His plan.

I am grateful this morning for my godly wife, who God has clearly used to deliver to me the gifts of love, counsel, inspiration and encouragement. I am also grateful for the many godly couples who have played important roles in my spiritual life, from childhood to present.

Today, I am richly blessed to be part of a fellowship in which numerous couples demonstrate on a regular basis the strength and power of lives given over to His Lordship. I am grateful for their friendship, leadership and example as they too walk the often difficult path of this life with eyes fixed on Jesus, Who will return soon for His bride!

In a day when Satan's assault on Christian marriage has had devastating impact, may God bless all Christian couples and their families as they courageously live out lives dedicated to Christ, in Whose strength we serve.

Cast 'the shakes' to Him!

From time to time I find myself alone on those early Tuesday mornings when the complications of life find my brothers in Christ on a track that does not include our weekly coffee and prayer session (I would be the first to admit I miss my share of early morning gatherings too, especially in the dark, cold winter months.)

This morning time is never wasted, however, as I usually take the opportunity to read Scripture or a devotional. Today it was "Grace Thru Faith" by Jack Kelley, who focused on Psalm 62:

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

"And surely I am with you always,” Jesus promised, “even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. You trust in God. Trust also in me.” (John 14:1) He was speaking to us as well. He’s trustworthy.

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32) No one can thwart His plan.

Our obstacles are right there in front of us, only too obvious, so Paul advised us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

"For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18) To allow the tangible, physical things of this world, or the countering activities of our enemies to stop us is to yield to the temporary things while ignoring the permanent ones.

To be sure, "what is seen," even though temporary, can present an overwhelming temptation to falter, to be victimized by debilitating fear. To be "shaken!"

But may we, His precious children, always remember that God the Father, "Who is with me, always," can be trusted to walk with us, from here into eternity!

Jesus Christ lives! He loves us!

Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12)

Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:30)

Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50)

Paul wrote, by divine inspiration: “In Him (Jesus) you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” (Colossians 2:10)

Paul wrote: “…He (Jesus) made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.” (Colossians 2:13b)

Going into Easter weekend, the world is given opportunity to consider Jesus Christ, only Son of God, and The Way – the ONLY way – to escape spiritual death and eternal separation from The Creator Whose desire is relationship with the people He created in His own image.

As believers it is vital to recall that there was a tragic time when Jesus Himself was all alone. When He was arrested, “... all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” (Matthew 26:56)

Our Redeemer died all alone on the cross as He took our sins -- all human sin of past, present and future -- in keeping with the Father's plan for redemption.

Despite the horror of the cross, we are called as Christ followers to be encouraged, to embrace the unfathomable reality of the resurrection, and of The Shepherd’s love for His sheep!

Jesus -- Who was, Who is, Who is to come -- understands our needs and is always there. “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)

Amen. Come Lord Jesus!