prophesy

Water and Fire

The howl of the wind, the rush of the water, the urgency in the air causing anxiety in the south. Or the roar of the fire, the sunless sky, the smell of smoke in the backyard, causing panic in the north. Our nation has seen so much anger, violence and hostility and now it seems mother-nature is as angry as the political unrest. There seems to be a shaking in our country; a shaking in our world.

Are these incidences just coincidences? Is it “climate change”? Is it just life in a planet that is forever changing? Or is it a compassionate wake-up call to a nation from an Almighty God, reminding people that he is ultimately in control? Or perhaps an “end time” announcement?

We have seen horrific earthquakes, tsunamis, mudslides and famines in other countries from a safe place. In fact we have experienced our own earthquakes that rocked the land plus horrific hurricanes and tornadoes and even volcanos that have affected personal lives. Life on this earth, inclusive of weather anomalies and change have occurred since the beginning of time. Yet it seems, from my perspective and others I have spoken with, that our nation is being bombarded by mother nature.

Was the solar eclipse that was nicknamed  “The Great American Eclipse” that crossed the contiguous United States a sign of things to come for America? You might ask why one would think this?  The Bible mentions signs in the heavens. Jesus warned of the days before his return.

Luke 21: 25-26 states: “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the seas and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (NASV)

Also in Acts 2:20 “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.” ( NIV)

If you have grown up in church you may have heard it preached that we are living in the “last days”.  In fact you might remember the “Left Behind” series by Tim LaHaye that became popular videos in the Christian communities in the early 2000s.  Before that there were many street prophets. Some stood with signs on the street corners that stated that the end was near.  Often you see these type of people portrayed in movies labeled as crazy or mentally unstable.

But calling out to masses about coming events is not a new concept. John the Baptist could have been considered one of those crazy people. He wore garments of camel-hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locust and honey. He often was heard saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2 (ESV) Yet he was actually sent by God to announce the coming of Jesus and was humbled that he was allowed to baptize Jesus before he started his ministry.

Science fiction thriller movies have taken end time theories and made millions at the box office. In these movies the entire world is almost destroyed by some kind of climate change or world war 3 or a massive nuclear bomb or aliens that attack. But just at the last moment a hero saves the day or the world  People leave the theater thankful that it was just a movie.  And they carry on with their lives.

The concept of “end times” is old and perhaps heard so many times that it is portrayed as ridiculous. That message can get to the point of being overdone. Eventually people get tired of hearing it and roll their eyes. It took so long for Noah to build the Ark that people became weary of the sight of the ark or his lunatic racings, as well, and simply mocked him. They lived as they had always done, eating, drinking and getting married. Suddenly destruction came upon them.

Today people have become immune to the possibility of any truth those words may hold. “Seriously? We have been hearing those “end times” warnings for so long.” And then they will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

Some people have gone as far as try to predict the return of the Lord. I remember a book in the 80s that was titled “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will be in 1988” by Edgar Whisenant.  When it didn’t occur the way he assumed, the author continued writing more books that expanded on his explanation. He died without seeing the “rapture” take place in his lifetime.

But Jesus warned, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son but only the Father.” Mark 13:32 (ESV)

Still Jesus forewarns that though we do not know the hour, there will be events that occur before that time. His message was to always be prepared. He even told a parable (or story) that has since been titled “The Parable of the 10 Virgins”. Five people were ready for the coming of the bridegroom, while five others had not been prepared. (Matthew  25:1-13)

Today we have many scoffers, even in the Christian community. In fact the Christian community is divided in many areas. I viewed some testimonies online from individuals that have shared dreams regarding what is taking place in America. Some said that they had already seen these events taking place in those dreams. One that really caught my attention was the proclamation that someone made regarding these two hurricanes. Afterwards they state that there will be a huge earthquake that will rock our nation. All these catastrophic events will devestate the American economy.

Regardless if these events are from the hand of God for judgement or if we are in the “last days” these events can transform each of our lives to help us to grow, if we allow them. They can cause us to trust God in the midst of chaos, create a greater prayer life, grow in our faith and relationship with our Savior and teach us compassion for those around us. Remember 9-11? It drew our nation together. Of course in the midst of positive transformation there will always be the scoffers and those who continue to harden their hearts, becoming bitter. And there will always be those that are bent on the destruction of others and themselves.

Yet heartaches can be used for good. The verse “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB) becomes even more clear. It is the through the hardest times in our lives that God’s grace and the glory can shine.

Still I join with the disciples who waited earnestly for Jesus’ return in their days and know that the day of his ultimate return grows closer. And I pray for those who have been affected by the latest hurricanes, those who have lost their property and lost loved ones. And I pray for those who are being affected by the fires that still rage. So many hurts and so many loses in this world. God have mercy on each of us.

To each of you I leave this verse:

“When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

 

 

THE VISION

This seems like the perfect time in history to review a book written over 40 years ago. In the 1974 edition, when the first copy was printed, perhaps the readers might have thought that the author, David Wilkerson, was a bit over dramatic and maybe even a doomsday prophet. But reading it again today some of it seems like reading yesterday’s news.

Wilkerson claims that he had a vision from the Lord in 1973. During a time of prayer he witnessed several events that would befall our world. In the book of John Jesus talked to his disciples about things that would happen in the future. His purpose of foretelling events was so they would believe. “I am telling you now before it happens so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.” John 13:19

Perhaps that is also why God gave Wilkerson these visions. I want to give a brief update of where we might stand today and then pull out a few points that he makes in the chapters he has written.

  1. Economic Confusion
    Economic confusion seems to be an understatement. We have watched the news regarding the financial despair hitting several countries in Europe. The debt in Greece caused great fear and riots, which in turn is causing panic to other countries. South America has been hit as well. The economic crisis in Venezuela has an inflation rate of 400% according to http://www.aljazeera.com. Today I see in the news that Puerto Rico is also facing a debt disaster. The United States isn’t left behind. According to http://www.usgovernmentdebt.us/ the U.S is just under 20 trillion dollars in debt. We have experienced a housing bubble collapse and watched unemployment rise.“I see total economic confusion striking Europe first and then affecting Japan, the United States, Canada and all other nations shortly thereafter.” (pg 15)Wilkerson explains that there will be short-lived booms accompanied by a sense of uncertainty. He states that the riots he sees regarding the financial crisis will be bigger than the riots that were present in the sixties. Social aid programs will be cut causing more unemployment. Other countries will blame the United States which will in turn cause a shift in economic power.“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.” Proverbs 27:12 (pg 29)


  2. Drastic Weather Changes and Earthquakes.
    Strange weather has plagued our world for eons. It isn’t anything new to hear about horrific floods, or earthquakes or tsunamis or even volcanos. Where were you May 18, 1980? That was when Mt. St. Helen’s exploded. And remember the tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean and took over 230,000 people’s lives? Tornadoes have hit the Midwest for years. I recall the one in Joplin, Missouri in 2011 that swept through the town killing almost 160 people. And as I write this blog I hear that horrific tornadoes and storms are plaguing part of the United States even now.I personally have gone through several earthquakes, a volcano and a violent tornado that ripped through our small community.But Wilkerson says that, “this world had best prepare for weather changes that cannot be explained by any other word but “supernatural”.  (pgs 31 & 32)He states that an earthquake will hit the United States with such force that it will be “one of biggest news stories of  modern times.” (pg 32) He goes on to explain that supernatural events will take place in the heavens. “The haze hanging in the cosmos will turn the moon red and will cause periods of darkness over the earth—almost as though the sun refused to shine.” (pg 36)
  3. A Flood Filth
    It is definitely not the 1950s anymore when you watch Hollywood movies. Though technology is so much better these days most movies bring with it so much sexual content. It is difficult to keep our children innocent.Now remember, this was written in 1973 and published in 1974, yet in this chapter Wilkerson says that one day x-rated movies will be piped into hotel rooms through cable TV. And the average person will be able to get x-rated tapes and take them home. “These video tapes can be played on any TV set with an electronic attachment,” he states. (pg 47)Morality in the church will falter. There will be secret affairs amongst church leaders. He also mentions homosexuality and its acceptance into our communities. He states that when society treats it as normal and when the church no longer treats it as sin, chaos will follow.
  4. The Number One Youth Problem of the Future
    I have heard it said that all teenagers are rebellious; that is just part of being a teen.  First of all I don’t necessarily agree with that statement. But if in the past  being a teenager meant that you might skip school or sneak out at night, the future teen’s rebellion has a new meaning.Wilkerson states that the number one problem of the youth of tomorrow, which means of today, is hatred towards their parents. From the lack of supervision and parental examples to overbearing parents that are hypocritical — youth are left with no clear direction. He states that kids will try different types of drugs, marijuana will become legal, drinking will be on the rise but bitterness towards parents will increase, as well. And with that bitterness will come acts of hatred.“But watch out! The anger that led students to riot in the streets is still seething beneath the surface.” (pg 65) But he does speak hope too. Some kids will turn to the Lord in their emptiness. He ends the chapter by saying, “I see hope and miraculous cures in the midst of despair and confusion.” ( pg 74)
  5. Persecution Madness
    Once again remember that this was written in the early 70s. It was a time when being a Christian was not looked down upon. There was still open prayer in many institutions without opposition. The manger scene was acceptable in city parks without an outcry. And it was called “Christmas break” or “Easter break” instead of “Winter break ” and “Spring break”. Now we must be so politically correct.Though Wilkerson touches on the subjects of Hollywood mockery and government red tape he explains that a super church will also rise up to mock the “true Christ followers”.  There will be a season when those that have undergone severe persecution in other nations will have their moments of reprieve. Then all will break loose once again with persecution madness throughout the world.
  6.  God’s Message to the Unprepared
    Wilkerson asks the unprepared a question; What if?  What if all this is true? He goes through a few chapters in the book of Revelation regarding the last day judgments. And he ends with a call to “Wake Up! What is happening to the world now is supernatural and there is no turning back. Unless you are on the Lord’s side, you connot survive. There is nothing but fear and despair for those who live selfishly without God.” (pg 172)
  7. Gods’ Message to the Prepared.
    To those prepared he also states to “Wake up”. But he adds several scriptures of  protection in the Lord. “The angel of the Lord encampteth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Ps 34:7 (pg 117) And he ends with these five words; “God has everything under control!” (pg 121)

The final chapter is titled, “It’s Your Move”. It is what it states. Choose what you want to believe. He reminds us that Jesus loves us and only wants an honest heart.

This was an interesting read. I’ve written a few of the highlights from the book and added my finds. But honestly it is a book that makes you think about life: your past, your future. And then allows each of us to decide what we want.

Thanks for joining me and God bless.