This one was a few days ago on 5/14, but I didn't see it when it happened. This is a large quake that signals to me that we are still in the earthquake window that follows the multi-year pattern we have been tracking here. So what? So..
Mark 13:7“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8“For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
I read some guy's commentary recently who said we should not worry or be concerning because earthquakes are just the beginning of birth pangs, that means all the big events of Revelation are way off in the distance somewhere. How foolish. Does he not realize that birth pains lead right up to immediately before the moment of birth?
He went on to write that its impossible for Jesus to return any time soon because there are all kinds of things that have to happen before the Lord's return. That is another common fallacy. The problem with that is they only focus on the Lord's return to touch His feet down on the Mount of Olives, also known as the second coming and they do not take into account the Lord's return to the clouds (1 Thess 4:17).
Please show me, anyone where are the pre-requisites for Jesus to return to the clouds? There are none. Case closed game over. There are hordes who argue this same case to us over and over again. They tell us why it is foolish to watch for Jesus today because according to their false doctrine He cannot return yet.
If the Lord could not come back to the clouds (different from touching down on the mount of olives) then why did He write this?
Mark 13: 33“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. 34“It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. 35“Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37“What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”
The Lord tells us to watch and be alert. For what? FOR HIM....for "the master of the house coming."
When the Lord writes an open ended command to us like that and men tell us not to bother paying attention to us, then men need to be dismissed and silenced. Who are these men to disobey and to teach disobedience to the Lord's clear command to watch for Him every day? The Lord easily could have written watch "when" this or that happens but He did not write that. He wrote watch period, indefinitely and now.
This writer has no idea of dates or times. I believe we have been alerted to seasons but even that is of limited value. Why? The Lord wants daily readiness and daily watchfulness for His coming. That is not my word, those are His Words.
The Lord was very specific, do not let false teachers lead you astray. The Lord said " in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37“What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”
Note the words "in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep." We have already been taught that if the homeowner knew what time the thief was coming he would remain up awake with the lights on, but the owner of the house DOES NOT KNOW, therefore he must remain always vigilant.
Remember the parable of the virgins. All the virgins went out to meet the Lord but only half of them were found ready when the Lord showed up. Think about it.
grace and peace
Be Anxious For Nothing
6 years ago
