The not-so-distant future

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2461″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]God has gathered the “nations” to fight against us for many years. If we are still standing today, we are seasoned soldiers. Seasoned soldiers are not those who wield the gifts of the Spirit—healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons. The Holy Spirit does that. Seasoned soldiers are those who have committed themselves unreservedly to the King and have remained faithful, despite the facts that we often seemed to be overwhelmed by superior forces and the impressions that our supply and communications lines had been cut, despite the wounds and the casualties.

Nevertheless, we stand. Like Paul Newman in the movie, Hud, we have worn the enemy out by beating our faces against his fists and relentlessly getting back onto our feet. The Holy Spirit can heal and bind through any of God’s children, but only soldiers are able to stand.

The Lord is about to go out and fight against those nations—injustice, want, lack, fear, doubt, frustration, cruelty, wrath.

The world, nevertheless, will continue to grow darker and darker. However, “when evening comes, there will be light.” Living water will flow out from the church. The Lord will be exalted in the church. “There will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” Praise and worship will be our weapons. “The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and silver and clothing,” and with these blessings, we will be a great blessing.

“The survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem”—those who are being saved during this great harvest—will worship the King and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Feast of Tabernacles is the last holy day of the Jewish calendar and speaks of the final days. It is an eight-day feast, which speaks of a new beginning, a new order. The last day of the feast is called the “Last Great Day.” During this celebration (John 8), Jesus revealed himself and his nature (and thereby the nature of the Father) to the Jews. He revealed himself as living water and light, as the element required for all life and as revelation.

Christ-followers are going to be clarified. Those who are Christ’s will be distinguished clearly from those who are not, those who go up to Jerusalem from those who do not. “And on that day, there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord Almighty.”[1]

And there will be persecution, just as the Jews tried to seize Jesus at the feast.

So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes.  And don’t live foolishly for then you will have discernment to fully understand God’s will.

~ Ephesians 5:15-17, TPT

~ Photograph by Zac Durant

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[1] Zechariah 14.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]