Hang On...He's Around The Corner
“So I saw in my Dream, that just as Christian came up with the Cross, his Burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.” -The Pilgrims Progress, John Bunyan 1678
The burdens of life are so great for us all. If you are like me, at times you get discouraged about the state of our country…no doubt you feel the darkness…we are not the same as we once were. I am reminded that we are living in the last days…the signs are here and more are coming.
“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” –Luke 21:9-11
In Luke 21, Jesus lays it out…nation will rise against nation. Earthquakes, famines, and pestilence. Next comes a great persecution of God’s people. Jerusalem will later be surrounded by invading armies. Then things really get intense. There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the heavens will be shaken. People will faint from the terror. Last, the good news…the Son will come in the clouds with great power and glory.
If you’re like me, you look forward to that very last part…it’s just the progression to that end I would rather not have to experience. But like Christian in the Pilgrim’s Progress, each of the King’s pilgrims are on a journey and we have to wade through the trials of life until we reach the Celestial City or He first comes to take us Home. We deal with that heavy sin, those who seek to do us harm and kill us, natural disasters and obstacles, and sometimes we are easily derailed by the road less traveled. Other times, we get stuck in the muddy bog, and only Jesus and the power of His name can pull us out.
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” –Luke 21:28
When the hard journey is over, it will all be so worth it! In the meantime, be encouraged! It is safe to say we are starting to see the signs of Christ’s return. That’s progress. We know our redemption is drawing near. So stand up and lift up your head, Christian. Change can be frightening, and the world is scared. But we know there is Something better coming just around the corner. Be fearless. While we share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings on this earth…it’s very temporary and He is with us. Soon we will know Him better and share in the power of His resurrection, being made like Him (Philippians 3:10).
“The Sovereign Lord is coming to rule with power,
bringing with him the people he has rescued.
He will take care of his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs together
and carry them in his arms;”
-Isaiah 40:10-11
Hang on, His Kingdom is almost here. Here’s to a bright future!
