Thinking Outside the Box

Luke 24:45  “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” 

In a recent conversation, Susan mentioned something that I’ve been pondering ever since.  It has to do with the events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ; an event which is drawing closer with each passing day.  She mentioned that some have such a concrete doctrinal stand on how everything will play out that they place themselves at risk of completely missing the obvious things.  (Or words to that effect.  It was really late and I was in a parking lot, cleaning out the van, while we were talking)  In other words, we’ll chart out how we think it’s all going to look and place so much confidence in our “having it all figured out” that we’ll miss key elements of scriptural fulfilment.  (Because, “according to the chart, that’s not supposed to happen yet, so that can’t be what it is.”)  We’ll cling to our positions to the point of being unable to hear what the Spirit is saying unto the churches. 

Susan also gave the example of the wise men that came from afar to worship Jesus.  They followed a star in the sky.  A star which was big enough that one could distinguish it from the others.  They came from great distance while the children of Israel were asleep.  Despite having the scriptures before them; the children of Israel didn’t anticipate  what their fulfilment would look like.  Later on, in the time of Jesus earthly ministry, many were thrown off because Jesus grew up in Nazareth, along with a host of other things which didn’t fit in with their thinking.  All of the scriptural fulfilment that took place when Jesus came was missed by those who knew the scriptures the best.  Even though they claimed to be watching for Messiah.   

While we know that certain things must transpire before Jesus returns, these events may look considerably different than the images that we each have in our minds.  There may be twists and turns that none of us anticipate.  A good example of this would be the seven thunders.  None of us  know what the seven thunders uttered, however, John was intending to record what he heard before a voice from heaven told him to “seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered and write them not.”  One can only imagine how much adjusting our tribulation charts would require if suddenly, we knew what the seven thunders uttered.  It’s so imperative to stay close to Jesus and walk in the Spirit continuously. 

I’m taking a rabbit trail here for a moment, but I wonder what it was like for John to have heard the seven thunders, but not be able to tell anyone what they said.  In fact, this afternoon I was wondering what the reason was for the Lord allowing him to hear the seven thunders and then tell him not to record it.  This is “just a guess,” but I wonder if it was to keep us from getting to confident in our own understanding.  We absolutely must be atuned to the Spirit and not rely upon the teachings of men.  This next verse is well known, but it highlights the need for each of us to be close to the Lord Jesus.  The closer the better.

Matthew 24:24  “For their shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

It’s a perfect storm so to speak.  The enemy parades before us false Christs, false prophets and incorporates a display of supernatural signs in an effort to draw us from the straight and narrow path.  If we’re placing excessive confidence in the teachings of men or our own understanding, we’re placing ourselves in a most dangerous situation.  We must be in close to the Lord Jesus all the time; fellowshipping with him, ensuring that he is our first love.  Spending quality time with him and in his word.  If we do this; make him truly first in our lives and live in complete obediance, he’ll ensure that we’re ready for whatever we must face.  Time for another familiar verse.

Nahum 1:7  “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

It’s natural for us to desire as much understanding of the events leading up to the return of Jesus as possible.  I ponder these things much, however, as we search the scriptures, and ponder, it’s imperative to do so prayerfully; acknowledging that we don’t see the entire picture.  We have scripture before us, but the Holy Spirit will teach us and bring things to our rememberance.  He’ll also let us know if we begin heading down a line of thinking that’s erroneous.  We must be listening at all times, and when those spiritual red flags go up, step back and find out why. 

Well, it’s 1:20 am and tomorrow it’s back to work.  (No problem; I’m on second shift)  Nonetheless, I have a few things to take care of before crashing.  This has been on my mind a lot because we are in very deceptive times.  So until the next time, I wish to all a blessed day, and a blessed 2008 in Jesus.

Jan 2, 2008. 12:25 pm  Hello again.  Just found these links and thought to pass them on.  The first is found on Steve Quayles site and discusses the the big brother aspects of the internet.  The second is David Meyers January newsletter which always does an overview of the major stories to take place during the previous month.  The third is from World Net Daily and discusses the explosive growth of witchcraft in the United States.  All such material requires discernment on the part of the reader, however, both of thses links offer one much to ponder. 

http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/netsys/article.php/3718926   

http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/2008/January2008.html  

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/News/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59488 

To reside close to Jesus and be faithful ambassadors in these strangest of times is paramount.  To ensure that our all is on the altar and that our lamps are filled with oil.  Without a doubt, the return of Jesus Christ is at hand.