Is The End Near?
If you have been around the “faith” for any amount of time, you must have heard the phrase: “. . . until the full number of the Gentiles has been called in . . .” (Romans 11:25). Or something similar to that (depending on which translation you are reading).
Now, I can’t explain everything that verse implies. Not only do I not have the time to discuss all the theories, I also do not have all the answers. However, with all the studying I have done, it does appear that the “days of the Gentiles” are almost over. Yahweh has given us plenty of warning that the Spirit will not continue to work earnestly to bring unbelievers in forever. This is why we need to quit playing church and become serious about our faith and devotion. But I can assure you that before this generation comes under the judgment of the Almighty, a great restoration is prophesied!
Joel prophesied, “I will repay you for the years that the locusts . . . ate your crops . . .” (Joel 2:25). The psalmist said that the righteous will “be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit . . . with leaves that do not wither . . . and whatever he does will prosper” (see Psalm 1:3).
However, I should tell you that promise is only for those who have separated themselves completely from the wicked, and refuse to walk in the way of sinners. It is only for those who are devoted disciples of God’s Word, meditating on it day and night.
“Not so the wicked!,” said David (Psalm 1:4). They are like the chaff, worthless, dead, without substance which the wind blows away. They become weak and withered, blown by every wind and wave of doctrine. If you are willing to compromise your faith you will be like withered trees, diseased and corrupted with every conceivable kind of doctrine you hear.
Sadly, this is what many professing Christians are like. They do not read their Bible; they become too preoccupied to pray and build themselves up in the faith; they become cozy with the ungodly and take their seat among the scornful.
An “army of locusts” will eat away at the lives of these Christians. Oh sure, on the outside they may look like trees that are planted by the water—but inside—in their hearts—they are corrupted, weak, diseased. They don’t bear any fruit! They are drying up spiritually. The “canker-worm” does its destructive work with the bark of the tree. That is what happens with sin—it is eats away deep within anyone who refuses to turn to Jesus—or those who have strayed from His presence—or those who choose to ignore His correction in their lives.
Here is the exciting thing—the good news about all this. Our Father has already told us how He is going to bring about this great restoration. Do you want to know? First, he will pour out his Holy Spirit in such abundant ways that it will bring health and strength back to all the “trees in his forest.” The worm of sin will begin to lose its power as His children who re-commit themselves to their devotion; to their Bible reading and fellowship. A powerful revelation of the Lord’s new covenant will make His people as bold as lions. Yes—you can believe it—a revival of spiritual strength and divine health is going to be poured out from on high into each of our lives!
Now, I can’t explain everything that verse implies. Not only do I not have the time to discuss all the theories, I also do not have all the answers. However, with all the studying I have done, it does appear that the “days of the Gentiles” are almost over. Yahweh has given us plenty of warning that the Spirit will not continue to work earnestly to bring unbelievers in forever. This is why we need to quit playing church and become serious about our faith and devotion. But I can assure you that before this generation comes under the judgment of the Almighty, a great restoration is prophesied!
Joel prophesied, “I will repay you for the years that the locusts . . . ate your crops . . .” (Joel 2:25). The psalmist said that the righteous will “be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit . . . with leaves that do not wither . . . and whatever he does will prosper” (see Psalm 1:3).
However, I should tell you that promise is only for those who have separated themselves completely from the wicked, and refuse to walk in the way of sinners. It is only for those who are devoted disciples of God’s Word, meditating on it day and night.
“Not so the wicked!,” said David (Psalm 1:4). They are like the chaff, worthless, dead, without substance which the wind blows away. They become weak and withered, blown by every wind and wave of doctrine. If you are willing to compromise your faith you will be like withered trees, diseased and corrupted with every conceivable kind of doctrine you hear.
Sadly, this is what many professing Christians are like. They do not read their Bible; they become too preoccupied to pray and build themselves up in the faith; they become cozy with the ungodly and take their seat among the scornful.
An “army of locusts” will eat away at the lives of these Christians. Oh sure, on the outside they may look like trees that are planted by the water—but inside—in their hearts—they are corrupted, weak, diseased. They don’t bear any fruit! They are drying up spiritually. The “canker-worm” does its destructive work with the bark of the tree. That is what happens with sin—it is eats away deep within anyone who refuses to turn to Jesus—or those who have strayed from His presence—or those who choose to ignore His correction in their lives.
Here is the exciting thing—the good news about all this. Our Father has already told us how He is going to bring about this great restoration. Do you want to know? First, he will pour out his Holy Spirit in such abundant ways that it will bring health and strength back to all the “trees in his forest.” The worm of sin will begin to lose its power as His children who re-commit themselves to their devotion; to their Bible reading and fellowship. A powerful revelation of the Lord’s new covenant will make His people as bold as lions. Yes—you can believe it—a revival of spiritual strength and divine health is going to be poured out from on high into each of our lives!
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