It never ceases to surprise me how seasons come and seasons go. Some are seasons of testing and others are seasons of blessing. Some are both although you quite often don’t realise that until the season passes. I find that this is the price of age and wisdom.
Often our times of test involve the people we are close too. Rubbing along with others can be a challenge, particularly when they don’t seem to see any issue with what they are doing and we can see the impact their actions are having on those around them. It is often hard to know what to do? The simple solutions of life are often not appropriate and even talking it out with them can be ineffective if they are not good at self monitoring. My main solution down the years has been to lift my cares to the Lord in prayer and many better Christians than I, have suggested that time spent on our knees is the best solution to every trial in life. Prayer is the way to seek God’s help and has the added benefit of growing the amount of time we spend in communion with God and of growing our proximity to God.
It intrigues me that as an old man now I still look at the things I did as youngster and seek to do them in old age as well. Things like riding bikes and trying my hand at sports like golf or shooting still tempt the heart even though I’m well and truly over the hill. The old joints are shot and the balance isn’t what it was anymore. Fishing is another thing that I often long after but I just don’t seem to have the time. Who knows though perhaps I will have another season to return to some of those long lost pursuits. I suspect that it may have to wait until I cross over to the kingdom for now though.
Way back in 1977 a man called Don Stanton wrote a book called Mystery 666 about bible prophecy in the End Times. He was sure that the End Times were happening in the 1970’s and ‘80’s and that the tribulation period of seven years would happen back then after which the Lord Jesus was going to return and the kingdom of God would be established. Time passed and as has often happened in the past his projections were a bit out.
I was very keen on Don Stanton’s books, as were very many people at the time. He belonged to a group of Christian thinkers called Dispensationalists who look toward a period of judgment called the Seventieth Week of Daniel which will last for seven years and after which Jesus will return. Hazard to say that it will be a rough time and the bible says that were that time not shortened no flesh would survive (Matthew 24).
There are a number of bible passages that relate to this event such as Daniel chapter 9 and Ezekiel chapters 38. It may be that Don Stanton wasn’t so far out and that the prophecy is beginning to be fulfilled at the present. Recent events where the United States and Israel are now making war on Iran may be the beginning of the hostilities that usher a coalition of middle eastern and other nations into being that is described in Ezekiel 38 as bring a great army that attacks Israel. It might also foment a third world war which would bring a world government into existence by removing the super powers and allowing a global coalition of equals to form. Sadly this would happen in the time of judgment and not be the instrument of deliverance people would be hoping for. To sum up these may well be momentous times and as Christians we need to be watchful and focused on sharing the gospel. This is also a time when there will be a great harvest of souls for the Lord.
An issue related to sharing bible prophecy is that of becoming too negative about these kinds of issues. I know that I tend to spend too much dwelling on world events and that others can find this upsetting. I can only suggest that it is a matter of planning to live life for a hundred years but being prepared to face the Lord at any moment. Seek God, pray and strive to share the gospel but be present for the people in your life. Fill their lives with happy occasions, joyful celebrations and daily expressions of love. Most of all let those who know you experience Christ through you and let your footsteps be those of Christ Jesus himself as the Spirit reveals His nature in you. I guess what I’m saying is “Chill out bro…”
See you all next month.
Love B.
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