This is the question God asked Job. For thirty-five chapters Job seeks answers to why tremendous calamity has overcome him.
Star studded cluster in the constellation Sagittarius
“God doesn’t give Job an explanation. He just shows Job who He is. … and then says,
‘I ask the questions and you give the answers. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?Job 38:4
We know why calamity overtook Job, God allowed Satan to bring it upon him. To most of us, this seems unjust, even offensive. Even though we know that God restored Job’s fortunes, twice as much as he had before, it is only when we read Job’s final response that we get to understand what God had achieved. Moreover, it is obvious who is in control of all that occurred.
“Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”Job 42:1-6
As Francis Chan said in a recent sermon, “For any of us who think that we can come into the presence of God and say, ‘God, why did you make me this way? Why did I go through this? This is my body, my choice.’ God says: ‘No, wait a second. No. Nothing is yours. I spoke this world into existence.’ The world is the Lord’s and everything in it. It’s all made by Him.And He doesn’t owe us an explanation for what He does in it.
Chan also referenced Isaiah 66:2, where God says: “This is the one to whom I will look, he who is humble and contrite in spirit andtrembles at My Word.”
“Do you tremble at the Word of God? Do you tremble? Because if you want God to choose you and see you, you need to tremble at His Word. Do you tremble at James 4:6, where it says, ‘God opposes the proud? If there’s ever a verse to tremble at, that might be it,” Chan said.
Chan warned the audience against becoming like those who say they are Christians, but “they are not close to God, not the God of the Bible.” He added that they “can sing … [and] cry, they can talk about their quiet time, but if they are proud, then they’re not very close to that throne.”
“Those who are closest to God are those who are most humble. … Do you understand this God that we pray to? When people were close to God, they were not proud. Chan said, ‘whenever I see pride in my life, the answer to that is not OK, let me try to be more humble.’ No. ‘Let me try to get closer to God.’ Because when I’m in the presence of God, there is not going to be pride there.”
“As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” James 5:10-11
Nomi Prins spent time at Chase Manhattan Bank, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, and Goldman Sachs, before hanging it up and becoming an investigative journalist that sheds light on Wall Street’s more nefarious practices and the US economy at large.
A free market cannot exist, so long as a central entity is setting interest rates and without a free market, some (chosen) parties will always prosper more than others. So, if you’ve ever felt like you have been held back, running in place, working long hours only to just barely get by, now you know why. The Federal Reserve is the reason 64% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck.
Hardly any mainstream publications stray far from the official narrative nowadays, but surprisingly Business Insider recently asked a powerful question regarding The Fed: Is America free if a private bank owns and controls our economy?
TRICKLE DOWN WEALTH
On paper, this is what central banking is supposed to do: “Trickle down wealth” is the term it is given, but Nomi believes this to be the biggest lie in financial history and I would tend to agree with her in this instance. Instead, this is what The Fed actually does: As one of the only entities in the world that can “print” or fabricate trillions of dollars and funnel it to the rich, it is doing exactly this.
This is the permanent distortion -the separation of the rich and elite versus everyone else. The bad news is that it could get worse. As we are on the verge of a financial shock that could soon replace all the physical cash in the world, with a digital counterpart. That’s right, Central Banking Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are on the way, with some 90% of central banks in the process of planning the digitalization of their currencies as we speak.
Nomi believes one single stock Block Inc. (NYSE: SQ) holds the power to create extreme wealth for early investors. One that the rich and elite are piling into, right now.
For example, the world’s biggest asset manager Blackrock has just acquired 24 million shares and Billionaire Jack Dorsey who founded Twitter is in for 48 million shares.
This stock is one of the few in its market to actually pull in profits, quarter by quarter, to the tune of nearly $1.3 billion in annual
It was also recently touted on CNBC as the decentralized “Bank of The Future.”
Naomi could be right with the World Economic Forum and the UN pushing for The Great Financial Reset.
I believe what we see unfolding here is leading up to the “end times” control the Antichrist has when he introduces the “mark of the Beast/666“. No one will be able to buy or sell without this microchip inserted into the hand or forehead.
We are quickly moving towards the prophesied last seven years before Jesus Christ returns to this earth first to rescue His sons and daughters before pouring out His wrath upon an unrepentant world. There are some 2000 Biblical prophecies concerning Jesus second coming so we are not to be taken by surprise. In fact, when Jesus answers the disciple’s question “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 He provides great detail of the events that will precede His return and in addition, he says “See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:25
During the Seventh Bowl Judgement, there are massive changes to the earth’s geology and therefore its geography.
“And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city (Jerusalem) was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.” Revelation 16:18-20
Israel’s Borders
The future western border of Israel is ‘the Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea)’, (Ezekiel 47.20). This must refer to the Millennial earth and not to the new earth since the new earth has no sea (Revelation 21.1).
Division of the Landof Israelto the Twelve Tribes
“Thus says the Lord God: “This is the boundary by which you shall divide the land for inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions. And you shall divide equally what I swore to give to your fathers. This land shall fall to you as your inheritance.This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side, from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath, and on to Zedad, Berothah, Sibraim (which lies on the border between Damascus and Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran.So the boundary shall run from the sea to Hazar-enan, which is on the northern border of Damascus, with the border of Hamath to the north. This shall be the north side. On the east side, the boundary shall run between Hauran and Damascus; along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel; to the eastern sea and as far as Tamar. This shall be the east side. On the south side, it shall run from Tamar as far as the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, from there along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea. This shall be the south side.On the west side, the Great Sea shall be the boundary to a point opposite Lebo-hamath. This shall be the west side.” Ezekiel 47:13-20
God says He will rebuild the ruined places and replant that which was made desolate when the wrath of God is poured out during the Trumpet (Revelation 8&9) and Bowl judgements (Revelation 16). God also says He will increase the people of Israel like a flock. There will be lots of babies born and there will be no infant mortality. He says the waste cities will be filled with people. I assume that the surviving nations will flourish as well but not to the same extent.
Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it. ” Ezekiel 36:36-38
“I will open rivers on the barren heights, and springs in the middle of the plains. I will turn the desert into a pool of water and dry land into springs of water. I will plant cedars in the desert, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will put juniper trees in the desert, elms and cypress trees together, so that all may see and know, consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:18-20
“On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter.” Zechariah 14:8
Current map showing Engedi by the Dead Sea and Eneglaim by a small brook. In the Millennium fishermen can spread their nets from Engedi to Enweglaim.
‘Living waters’ flow from the new temple and wherever they flow they give life. Half of the waters flow east towards the ‘eastern sea’ (Zech. 14.8) and the map shows the latter to be the northern end of the Dead or Salt Sea. The effect is to remove the salt and enable ‘very many fish’ to live there – enabling fishermen to work from Engedi to Eneglaim.
“From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.” Ezekiel 47:10
“But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, butthey will bear fresh fruit every month because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and theirleaves for healing.”Ezekiel 47:11-12
Why such detail if it is purely symbolic?
“The whole land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem shall remain aloft on its site from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the former gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.” Zechariah 14:10
“In days to come Jacob shall take root, Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit.“ Isaiah 27:6
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” Isaiah 35:1-2
“For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;” Isaiah 35:6-8
Jerusalem
It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills, and all the nations shall flow to it,
In the millennium, Jerusalem takes on the names of a redeemed city. It is called ‘The Holy City, ‘The City of Truth‘, and ‘TheLord is There‘, reflecting the presence of Christ and the dissemination of the law from Jerusalem. In fact, the name itself, Jerusalem, is likely from the root ‘shalom’, and so Jerusalem is ‘the City of Peace’.
“Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain.” Zechariah 8:3
“The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.” Ezekiel 48:35
The Gates of the City “These shall be the exits of the city: On the north side, which is to be 4,500 cubits by measure, three gates, the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi, the gates of the city being named after the tribes of Israel. On the east side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. On the south side, which is to be 4,500 cubits by measure, three gates, the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, and the gate of Zebulun. On the west side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher, and the gate of Naphtali.” Ezekiel 48:30-34
Jesus will control all aspects of nature
It is probable that imperfect aspects of nature, such as drought, locust, earthquake, and flood will be removed except when ordained as a judgement on a nation.
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:19-20
“He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6
Once God’s Kingdom is established in Jerusalem among the people of Israel, Christ will ask representatives of all nations to come to Jerusalem to learn about His laws. He will summon them to Jerusalem to attend God’s annual Feast of Tabernacles:
“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles”Zechariah 14:16; see Leviticus 23:33-44
Scripture reveals that not all nations will immediately cooperate. Early in Christ’s reign, strong measures still will be necessary to convince most nations that He intends to enforce the laws of God.
“He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people” Isaiah 2:4
How will He make this clear, especially to nations who obstinately refuse to attend the Feast of Tabernacles? His means of communicating His message to them will be straightforward. He will simply demonstrate His control over the natural forces of the earth.
“And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain”Zechariah 14:17
The nations will quickly learn that their existence depends on God’s blessing. Good weather and bountiful crops are blessings from God. From this time forward only nations that obey God will reap those blessings. All others will not. Such a system will serve as a convincing argument. In time, all nations will respond.
Rewarding the saints
Jesus Christ has promised to reward people who through the ages have faithfully served Him (Revelation11:18; Revelation 22:12). Notice their part in His Kingdom:
“Blessed and holyis he who has a part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shallreign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
From the beginning of Christ’s millennial reign the faithful servants of God—including many who will have suffered severe persecution and martyrdom—will serve as the teachers and administrators of that wonderful world to come. They will assist Jesus in teaching the ways of peace and righteousness to the nations. This will fulfill Christ’s promise to His Church:
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne”Revelation 3:21
The prophet Daniel foretold the same thing:
“Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him” Daniel 7:27
Christ does not plan to change the world single-handedly. At His coming, His faithful servants will be immediately transformed from flesh and blood into immortal spirit beings who can assist Him. Paul explained:
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-53
These transformed beings will sit with Jesus Christ on His throne. They will serve with Him as teachers and administrators during His millennial reign.
Since Christ will establish Jerusalem as His capital, the first people to experience the effects of His rule will be the restored kingdom of Israel. As their King, He will immediately establish a close working relationship with them:
“Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst…Indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. The nations also will know that I, the LORD, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.”Ezekiel 37:26-28
The people of Israel will play a necessary role in helping other nations implement God’s ways. Once God has forgiven their sins, Jesus Christ will begin using a humbled and repentant Israel to spread the knowledge of God’s law to other nations. The whole world will gradually come under the administration of a unified code of law, the law of God. Jesus will coordinate this as He reigns over the nations from Jerusalem. The world will finally learn to obey God’s law.
Israel will help the nations learn God’s ways
Concerning the restored nation of Israel during Christ’s millennial reign, God says:
“Behold … I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return and will rebuild those places as at the first. I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities … Then [Jerusalem] shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.”Jeremiah 33:6-9
As the people of Israel learn to follow God’s ways, their example will inspire other nations to seek the same way of life and to want to reap the same blessings:
“Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”Zechariah 8:22-23
Nations will see that keeping God’s law works. They will come to Jerusalem to learn how they can apply it in their own lands:
“Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem ” Micah 4:2
“The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” Isaiah 11:9
The fruit of righteous knowledge
With Jesus Christ as King, Jerusalem will be the center of learning for the world. God’s Word, the Bible, will provide a solid foundation for the development of education and knowledge:
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth…It shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:11-13
Prosperity will increase while crime and corruption will cease:
“Instead of bronze, I will bring gold, instead of iron I will bring silver, instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officer’s peace and your magistrate’s righteousness. Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders.” Isaiah 60:17-18
It takes much more than mere knowledge, however, to produce lasting peace and cooperation. A spiritual change is also necessary. It will be that spiritual change in the people of Israel that will inspire other nations to admire their way of life and want to emulate it:
“O house of Israel,…for My holy name’s sake…I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”Ezekiel 36:22-27
The spiritual restoration of humanity is the most important transformation that will occur during this millennial period when the world is transformed. The Spirit of God will enable people to willingly and enthusiastically obey Him from the heart:
“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10
God’s Spirit will phenomenally transform people. Obedience will be widespread; people will exhibit honorable leadership and enjoy a stable society:
“I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward, you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” Isaiah 1:26
The changes will be permanent, lasting throughout subsequent generations:
“Also your people shall all be righteous; they shall inherit the land forever … that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.”Isaiah 60:21-22
Each new generation will carry on this tradition of righteousness:
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13
People the world over will notice and respect their example:
“Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the posterity whom the LORD has blessed.” Isaiah 61:9
Spirituality spreads
As people from other nations see what happens in Jerusalem and its environs, they too will want to serve the living God:
“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants—everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant—even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer…For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:6-7
Finally, the barriers between Israel and other nations will fall. This will occur because all will eventually realize
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:28
Physical blessings
As people the world over begin to obey God, first by getting their spiritual priorities straight, they will begin to experience unprecedented physical prosperity:
“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it…They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.'” Amos 9:13-14
Isaiah compares this time to a perpetual feast with the best of everything:
“On this mountain, the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.” Isaiah 25:6
Notice this inspiring description of blessings yet to come:
“They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD—and their descendants as well.Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox … They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord. ” Isaiah 65:21-25
This vision of the millennial reign of Christ is not an illusion but a promise of reality. Jesus Christ will return to earth to spiritually transform its people and establish utopia, a paradise on earth. The combination of removing Satan’s influence, giving humanity God’s Spirit and teaching the world the laws and ways of God will produce 1,000 years of peace and a society blessed beyond its wildest dreams.
But, incredible as this sounds, prophecy reveals that an even more amazing period awaits mankind, the new heaven and a new earth.
As Emma Duncan records in The Times and reported in The Weekend Australian, July 2nd, 2022.
Edward Chancellor has a gift for timing. Devil Take the Hindmost, his book on financial speculation, was published shortly before the stock market crash of 2000. His new book, The Price of Time, The Real Story of Interest, comes out just as tightening monetary policy threatens to tip the world into recession. He could have improved on the title, however:
Doomed! We’re All Doomed! would have better represented the book’s message.
Chancellor argues that, whenever money is too easy, financial markets become unstable. He takes the story to the present day, when interest rates have sunk lower than at any time in the five millennia since they were first recorded – including the extraordinary appearance of negative rates in Europe and Japan – and highlights how this has contributed to profound economic insecurity and financial fragility.
Chancellor reveals how extremely low-interest rates not only create asset price inflation but are also largely responsible for weak economic growth, rising inequality, zombie companies, elevated debt levels, and the pensions crises that have afflicted the West in recent years – conditions under which economies cannot possibly thrive. At the same time, easy money in China has inflated an epic real estate bubble, accompanied by the greatest credit and investment boom in history. As the global financial system edges closer to yet another crisis.
As I have posted previously The World Economic Forum and the United Nations have realised that the time is right for The Great Financial Reset. Read what they say on the WEF website.
As we enter a unique window of opportunity to shape the recovery, this initiative will offer insights to help inform all those determining the future state of global relations, the direction of national economies, the priorities of societies, the nature of business models, and the management of a global commons. Drawing from the vision and vast expertise of the leaders engaged across the Forum’s communities, the Great Reset initiative has a set of dimensions to build a new social contract that honours the dignity of every human being.
We are living in the time Biblical prophecy reveals is the time leading up to when the demonically inspired world leader (Antichrist) appears on the scene for his allotted time. We should not be surprised at what is unfolding in the world today. God has told us in advance so that we know He is in control of history and even allows the suffering and yes, the evil that happens for now within the context of His overall purpose.
“There shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.” Daniel 7:23
“And the beast (Antichrist) was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also, it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.” Revelation 13:5-8
“For through Him (Jesus), we have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:18-22
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30
Coptic Christian martyrs for Christ
While this life is fraught with many trials and tribulations, the sufferings we experience are to be counted as incomparable with the glories to come. We groan, we wail, we suffer—yet with much hope as we persevere to the end, waiting for the redemption of all creation, and even our bodies. Yet in this, the tension that all mankind faces come to the forefront, and the reason for this is simple: we must wait. This anticipation for glory builds more and more anticipation the longer we must endure this life. This anticipation for glory sustains us and brings forth one major reason why we persevere: we hope in the age to come rather than in this broken and fallen age.
Paul says, that in the same way, this hope for glorification sustains us, the Spirit sustains us, for He knows precisely how to intercede on our behalf before the Father.
Where words and utterances fail us in our prayers, the Spirit transforms them into prayers that match the will of God. The very purpose of the Spirit’s intercession is not so we can feel good about His work in doing so, though we should have much joy in this fact. Rather, the Spirit’s work in transforming our failed prayers likewise culminates in us reaching the finish line, where we are ushered into the presence of our Triune Lord for all eternity. In other words, the Spirit’s work of intercession on our behalf is part and parcel of our endurance; we endure not only for the hope of the age to come but specifically because part of the Spirit’s work is to bring about endurance in us.
Here then is where we find our particular reference that God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. And what is that purpose? Paul says, the “good” that God is working all things together for, is explicit.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30
Human suffering has a purpose that culminates in glory. To make that ever clearer: the purpose of our trials and sufferings is to bring us to final redemption, where we see God face to face, free from the pain, devastation, and destruction caused by the curse of sin, our adversary Satan, and death itself.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
God sees to it, from eternity past to eternity future, that those who love God, that is, those who are in Christ, will one day be glorified, first to assist Jesus in His Millennial reign on this earth and then, after the White Throne judgement, to be ushered into a world free from the Fall and its effects. All of our groaning, all of our longing, all of our deferred hope for what is to come, shall be satisfied in the fullness and richness of God’s saving love through Christ.
Adapted from an article by Jason Gilbert “God Works All Things for Good” August 23, 2022, http://www.patheos.com
Just look at what God revealed to Isaiah about Jesus. Isaiah the Prophet wrote a stunningly accurate portrait of Jesus’ all-encompassing work before, at, and after the cross.
BEFORE THE CROSS
In Isaiah 53, he states “Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed” (Isaiah 53:1). This is an accurate prediction: not many continued to follow Jesus after some of His hard teachings (John 6:66). Not many believed it in the end. At the Cross, they all fled. The crowds liked the fish and loaves of bread, but they were not willing to follow Him.
Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3), and he probably looked just like any other Jew of the day. What does Isaiah tell us about Jesus’ physical appearance?
“He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2).
The religious crowd despised Jesus for claiming to be Who He really was. Did Isaiah predict this happening?
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3
AT THE CROSS BEFORE AND DURING HIS CRUCIFIXION
When taken before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilot we know that Jesus did not try to defend himself. Could Isaiah have been shown this simple fact?
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, motivated by the love of God (John 3:16). Could Isaiah have been shown this 700 years before Jesus came to earth and in such detail?
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6
“Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; He has put him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for guilt,He shall see his offspring; He shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:10-11
AFTER THE CROSS
Could Isaiah have been shown details of Jesus’ death and burial? Once again in astonishing detail. We know that Joseph of Arimathea was the rich man who gave Jesus his own grave (Matthew27:60).
“By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” Isaiah 53:8-9
Does God reveal anything about the ultimate destiny of the nation, Israel, which He established for His purposes?
“For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion, I will gather you. In overflowing anger, for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love, I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.“This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be (forever) angry with you, and will not rebuke you. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:7-10
Israel has a glorious future ahead with Jesus ruling and reigning with the Saints during His Millennial reign on this earth. Will you be there? Start living eternal now ready for Jesus’ return.
“They (Saints) came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4-6
Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM) has witnessed exponential growth in disciple-making through one of their leaders, “Jav.”
Massive Move of God In Afghanistan
GCM said, “We are always in awe of what God can do with just one ‘YES’. Jav was trained by the Iranian underground church and is leading the great move of the Holy Spirit in Afghanistan. Jav shared that he will baptize over 60 Afghan Muslims this week! He hasdiscipled 5,000 people and communicates using one of the phones that were purchased with your donations. 5,000 new disciples a year is 416 disciples a month, 13 disciples a day, which means there is a brand new disciple every 2 hours for 365 days straight. That phone allows him to train, disciple, develop other leaders, and grow the kingdom of God. We will continue to keep you updated with information like this in the future. It is our privilege to share stories like this of how the Spirit is moving.”
Joe Richardson whom I know is heavily involved with this ministry. Can I suggest you consider donating to GCM? You can check them out at http://www.globalcatalyticministries.com.
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.Besides this, you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:10-12
Paul is reminding us of Jesus’ many warnings throughout the Gospels: to be READY and found DOING his will when he comes in power. In light of all this, how are you going now? Are you living eternal now? Paul goes on to point out, with some urgency, aspects of our lives and behaviour that might need to be dealt with at present, concluding with the words: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not [even] THINK about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Are WE in constant READINESS for the Lord’s Return?
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Why were you born? Why do you exist? Is there a reason, a purpose, for human life? These questions have baffled the greatest thinkers and philosophers down through the ages. We ponder the meaning of life. A child naturally wonders, “Where did I come from?” As adults we ask, especially in our twilight years: “Is this physical life all there is? Does my life have a purpose?”
the vastness of the night sky
Three thousand years ago King David considered the apparent insignificance of human beings when compared to the vastness of the night sky. As a shepherd, he had spent many nights outdoors gazing at the star-studded expanse overhead. Notice the thoughts he recorded in Psalm 8:3-9:
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!“ Psalms 8:3-9
David was reflecting on the dominion God gave mankind at creation, using basically the same language as Genesis 1:26-27.
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27
The author of Hebrews quotes David when he is talking about us and the author of our salvation, Jesus. How wonderful it is to know that the Creator of the universe is our Saviour and he calls us brothers and sisters. Every human being needs to know this transforming TRUTH about why God made us and our destiny and it is our job to tell them.
“What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? “You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”Hebrews 2:6-12
Why does God permit what He hates? Find out with special guest Joni Eareckson Tada.
Periods of awakening often coincide with periods of suffering for the people of God. The Bible indicates that Christians should expect suffering, for our Lord Himself suffered in this life.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” Matthew 16:24
Joni, from her experience, provides us with a good understanding of the place of suffering in the Christian life, reminding us of our need for the Holy Spirit to sustain us as we face personal trials and even direct persecution.
Love this gem of wisdom given by Joni: God permits what he hates to accomplish what He loves. Christ in me the hope of glory.
LIVING ETERNAL NOW 