Preparation for the LORD’S Coming
At the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He visited Jerusalem for the last time. It was the Passover season, and as He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, there was great anticipation among the people. Many believed He was the messiah they had long waited for. The crowds shouted, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD.” Jesus was just days from being rejected by these same people as their savior and crucified on a Roman cross.
As Jesus looked over Jerusalem for the last time, he wept for the city and then directly condemned the hypocritical religious system that was rejecting Him as their Savior and Deliverer. Recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-36) are some of Jesus’ last words. As He visited the Temple for the final time, His disciples commented on the beauty and majesty of the temple structure. He let them know that “not one stone would be left upon another” in other words the temple was to be destroyed.
This prompted the disciples to ask: “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”(Mat 24:3) As Jesus answers His disciples’ questions He tells them many things that will happen and instructs them on what they should do and how they should react. When He ends this time of instruction, He talks to them about His second coming and instructs His followers that they should be prepared.
In Mark 13:33-37 Jesus says:
(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—(36) in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. (37) What I say to you I say to all, Be on the alert!”
Matthew’s Gospel says: “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (Mat 24:44)
Right after Jesus instructed the disciples to be watching and ready for His return, He told them the parable of 10 virgins to illustrate His point. In this parable of the 10 virgins, there are five who were wise and five who were foolish; the wise virgins were ready and entered the wedding feast. “…the bridegroom came, those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.” Mat 25:10
Jesus’ words tell us that we must be alert, waiting, and ready for His return to earth. Peter writes many years later that scoffers will come mocking and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming” (2 Peter 3:9). Many Christians today no longer bother with watching for the return of Jesus Christ to the earth, many Pastors no longer teach about the Hope we have in the Second Coming. No matter whether we believe that the Lord’s coming is near or not, we need to be watching and waiting and preparing ourselves to see Jesus when He returns.
To be ready, there is a John the Baptist “preparation” in our lives that must take place to bring us into a state of readiness. “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!” We prepare by giving ourselves wholly and entirely to the work of the Holy Spirit in our individual lives in order to bring us into a place of revelation and understanding of the holy and spotless bride we are destined to be.
Rev 19:7 “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”
Rev 21:2 “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.”
Here are 15 insights on how to prepare for the Lord’s return:
AS YOU READ THIS, GIVE YOURSELF TO GET PERSONALLY READY
1. Arise Shine!
As we watch and wait for the Lord’s triumphal return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we must Arise and respond to the Light & the Glory that God is giving to the Church in this hour.
God is moving all over the earth in the supernatural. Signs, wonders, miracles are happening at an increasing rate. The anointing is increasing and God is pouring out His Spirit in these last days.
In Isaiah 60:1-2 we read “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you.”
The word “Arise” in this passage means to “stir yourself up”, “wake up” or to “rouse up” as if one was asleep or indifferent or in a measure of bondage. In Isaiah 52:1-2 God’s natural people after the flesh (Israel) are told to “awake” “put on strength” and “shake themselves loose” from captivity. Even so today, God’s people (spiritual Israel) are spiritually captive to so many things, especially traditions which blind them to what God plans for His Church in these end times. God has been pouring out His Spirit, and will do so in greater measure
The first step in being prepared is to WAKE UP! We must begin giving ourselves to spiritual revelation and disciplines (prayer and worship) that are necessary to get us personally ready to meet the master. We Must ARISE AND RESPOND TO THE LIGHT GOD IS GIVING TO THE CHURCH IN THIS DAY.
God has been pouring out His Spirit, and will do so in even greater measure, not just that we might get a blessing, but that the church might be disciplined into truth, holiness, and victory; for the Lord is going to present to Himself “a glorious church (sanctified by the glory of His presence), not having spot (defilements of the world), or wrinkle (no signs of aging-youthfulness and spiritual vigor restored), or any such things; but that it should be holy (totally separated and dedicated) and without blemish (defects which would hider its effective functioning to the glory of the Lord)” (Eph. 5:27).
The scripture is clear that those who know their God “shall be strong, and do exploits” (Dan. 11:32), and do even greater works than Jesus did (John 14:12). A double portion and more will come upon the church through the early and latter rain together (Joel 2:23, Hosea 6:3, James. 5:7). The fulfillment of this vision will not be dependent upon great numbers, but upon a wholly dedicated group of Christians willing to “arise” and give themselves to the Lord in this time of preparation, letting the Lord “build” them together in unity and love.
There is a spiritual dullness and blindness that is upon the unbelieving world that causes them to not “see” the light of the Gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). That same spirit of stupor or dullness was upon natural Israel when Christ came to them causing them to miss their day of visitation. Jesus declared to that generation.. “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case, the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, you will keep on hearing, but will not understand; you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes; otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.” (Matt 13:13-15).
In the parable Jesus told of the ten virgins (Matt 25:1-13), it says that “all” the virgins (even the 5 wise) fell asleep while the bridegroom tarried. We all need to be stirred out of slumber and receive more revelation of what God is doing in this hour!
Let us heed Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:14, “Awake you that sleep, and arise… and Christ shall give you light.” “it is high time to wake out of sleep” (Rom. 13:11).
2. Get Extra Oil
In Matthew 25:1-13 where we read about the wise and foolish virgins, we see that when the Bridegroom came, the wise virgins were ready and able to enter into the wedding feast because of the “extra oil” they had in their vessels (Matt 25:4). Oil in the bible is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
All Christians receive the “oil” of the Holy Spirit in their lamp when they believe in Jesus and are saved. This is symbolized in the Old Testament priesthood by the oil that was “sprinkled” on all the garments of the priests when they were consecrated for service (Lev. 8:30). In addition to the first anointing with oil on the garments, we also need the second anointing of oil poured on the head, as in the case of the High priest (Lev. 8:12). This is symbolic of the Baptism or outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is to come upon us after we are saved to “anoint and sanctify” us for the high calling to priestly service “beyond the veil” in the Holy of Holies of His Presence.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the most significant, most beautiful experience we mortal humans can receive. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit and our spirit become one. He uses our tongue and voice to express this union. The Spirit of God in us gives the utterance, and we speak in a language we do not know or understand. The Holy Spirit takes over the use of our tongue and helps us pray. Romans 8:26-27 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” It is a wonder of wonders, chosen not by human will or understanding but by God, the sovereign ruler of the universe. We cannot adequately express with our own words the joy and edification of our spirit experienced in the baptism and union of His Spirit.
While Speaking in tongues is an outward, external evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is observable and heard, the evidence of the Spirit’s ongoing sanctification and abiding presence in our lives is the fruit of the Spirit, which we see in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” This spiritual fruit, the crucified life, and a Spirit-filled walk are the inward, internal results of the in-filling and become evident with the passing of time. The fruit of a person’s life is revealed in the relationships they have and demonstrates the Spirit’s continued work in the believer as we are conformed to the image of Jesus.
Believe His Word, accept what He says, and you too can be baptized with the Holy Spirit, for God will give the Holy Spirit to all who ask in faith (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38-39). Our heart is burdened for those who really love the Lord but who, through ignorance or fear, are being cheated out of their inheritance. Will you not search the Scriptures, see whether these things are true, and earnestly ask God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit?
These are the days of the “latter rain,” which God is sending to ripen the grain for the harvest. God is “purifying unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). In the Old Testament pattern, God said, “the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory” (Ex. 29:43). Likewise, our own individual tabernacle must be sanctified by the glory of His Presence. That glory cloud that filled the Old Testament Tabernacle was a pillar of fire. So are we to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and FIRE (Matt. 3:11).
We have been “called unto His kingdom and GLORY” (I Thess. 2:12), but we must give diligence to make our calling and election sure” (II Pet.1:10), if we want to be associated with Christ in His GLORY and Heavenly Kingdom.
Soon Jesus will come to catch away those who have that same Spirit dwelling in them that raised up Jesus from the dead. Seek Him today, for “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1). This means you! The Gift of the Holy Spirit is yours if you Ask God for It!
3. Pursue Peace & Seek Holiness
This is really a continuation of “Get Extra Oil.” The writer of the Hebrew letter admonished: “Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: (Heb. 12:14). This Scripture alone should make us realize that it takes more than just being saved to be made ready for the Lord’s immediate presence. Jesus said essentially the same in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” John reminds us that the hope of being with the Lord is a purifying hope. “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (I John. 3:3).
Paul prays in I Thessalonians 5:23,
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Listen carefully to the words of Jesus given to the church of Sardis in Revelation 3:4,
“You have a few names, evening Sardis who have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
Notice to be worthy of walking with Him in His glorified realm, we must keep our garments undefiled. These are the inner soul garments which we have “purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit” (I Pet. 1:22). Such will walk with Lord “in white” (inner purity). James reminds us, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
Jesus admonishes in Revelation 16:16:
“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
“Naked” would symbolize a lack of preparation and readiness. Lord, help us to seek holiness and pursue it.
4. Put on Righteousness
Paul admonished us in Ephesians 4: 23-24, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.” Notice that both righteousness and holiness are necessary for the “new creation” within us. As we have seen, holiness (or sanctification) is the negative (purging, purifying) work of God’s Spirit within us, whereas righteousness is the positive (imparting, vivifying, fruit-producing) work of God’s Spirit in us. But we must cooperate with the work of the Spirit by “putting off” (the old ways) and “putting on” (the new ways). (Read Eph. 4:22-32, Col. 3:8-17 and Rom. 13:12-14, for “putting off and “putting on.”) Righteousness is called a fruit o the Spirit in Ephesians 5:9. It is likened to a robe of fine linen in Revelation 19:8. Linen is made from flax, and thus a “fruit” or product of the growth process of the earth. Even so, righteousness as a “fruit” must grow and develop within us, or like the strands of “fine linen” are “woven” gradually within the fabric of our soul until we become more Christ-like in nature, conformed to His image (Rom. 8:29). We begin our Christian life with a divine deposit of imputed righteousness; that is, Christ’s righteousness “put down to our account” so that we may be accepted (Eph. 1:6). This is a legal transaction, and is what might be termed “positional righteousness.” This takes place the moment we truly believe in Christ and might be likened to the coats of skin with which Adam and Eve were clothed when God killed the sacrificial animals in the Garden of Eden. (Gen.3:21), which typified the sacrifice Christ made for us so that your nakedness might be clothed with His imputed righteousness. However, such “sheep-skins” of imputed and positional righteousness, which make it possible for us to be accepted and saved, are not sufficient for us to be made ready to dwell in the immediate presence of Christ as part of His “ruling” Body. His righteousness must also become personal within us, imparted and woven within us as the garment of fine linen. For it is not just the “sheep-skin” which makes the Bride ready, but the fine linen of His righteousness WITHIN.
5. Follow the Lamb
In Revelation 14:4 we read of those who “follow the Lamb wherever He goes.” In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said to His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Here the question is not salvation, which is a free gift (Rom. 6:23), but of the desire to follow Jesus into the Heavenly kingdom, receiving a glorified body like unto His (Phil. 3:21), whereby those who so rule with Him will be able to help subdue all things to him in the ages to come. Those who inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, instead of the Earthly, must be prepared through discipleship, and
Jesus gave three requirements:
- self-denial (loving Him more than self and others),
- Taking up our cross (willing submission to the path He has set before us), and
- Following Him (in close fellowship and obedience).
Those who are not willing to do this, Jesus said, are NOT WORTHY of Him. He is not referring to salvation, for salvation is not a matter of worthiness, but rather of fitness to live in close proximity to Him in His glorious Kingdom (see Matt. 10:34-38, Luke 14:25-33). Discipleship (being taught and disciplined by Him) is necessary, and Jesus reminds us in Matthew 14:33 that “whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be My disciple,” and again in John 8:31, “If you continue in My Word, then you are My disciples indeed.”
6. Put on the Whole Armor of God
In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul gives instructions concerning the armor God has made available to Christians for their battle against the forces of darkness and demonic hosts of Satan. We cannot take time here to discuss and evaluate this armor, but especially in these days, when the pit has been opened (Rev. 9:2), and demons in ever-increasing numbers are being allowed to prey on humans beings, Christians need to make sure they are heeding Paul’s admonition to “take unto you (put on) the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” and “that you may be able to withstand in THE EVIL DAY, and having done all (the crisis demands) to stand (resist and stand your ground, firmly in your place). We don’t want to yield to the enemy in these critical days but rather vigorously seek to conquer and overcome the enemy in every area of our lives. Paul says in Romans 8:37 that we are “more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” The Greek word translated as “conqueror” here is nikao. This word, in its verb or noun form, is used over 30 times in the New Testament, and means to “gain the victory,” “conquer,” “prevail,” or “overcome.” It is the word used repeatedly in Revelation 2-3, where special promises are made to the “Overcomers.” The Word is clear that only the overcomers will rule and reign with Christ (Rev. 3:21). Therefore, let us heed the admonition of the apostle Paul in Romans 31:12:
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”
7. Walk Circumspectly
“Walking” symbolizes how we live our daily life in the sight of God and before the world. In Ephesians 5:16-17, Paul admonished his readers to “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” The Greek word translated as “circumspectly” means accurately, precisely, exactly, and assiduously (diligently, with unremitting attention and devotion). Paul further underscores this in 5:17 by indicating that this would be according to the “Will of God.” He also points out that by this careful, accurate, and purposeful living, we can REDEEM the time, buying up each opportunity and making the very most of the time we have in preparation for the momentous days ahead. For, says Paul, “the days are evil” (5:16). Evil has ever been in the world since the fall of man. Still, I believe Paul’s statement here is a prophetic implication of the last days when evil’s cup of iniquity” is coming to the full. (Read I Tim. 3:1-7 where Paul gives a graphic description of the conditions in the world in these last days.) Therefore let us “watch our step” and “walk honestly” (Rom. 13:13), “walk worthy of our calling” (Eph. 4:1), “walk in love” (Eph. 5:2), “walk as children of the light” (Eph. 5:8), living purposely and carefully in this evil world.
8. Rejoice in the Tests and Proving of Life
A prepared people must be a tested and proven people. James tells us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing” (James. 1:2-4). “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James. 1:12). There are numerous Scriptures that declare that God tries, tests, and proves His people. Proverbs 17:3 says, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts. Psalm 66:10-12 gives a graphic description of such proving of the Lord and their purpose:
“For You, O God, Have proved us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, but you brought us out to rich fulfillment (place of freedom).”
Testing is necessary to prove the genuineness of anything, to reveal strengths and weaknesses, to show what needs to be corrected, and to “refine” or purge out impurities, so that those proved might be prepared for something greater in inheritance and responsibility. Job said, “When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10, I Pet. 1:7). Deuteronomy 8:1-3 gives a vivid account and enumeration of the reasons why God tested Israel in the wilderness: “to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not…that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” Israel had to go through the wilderness before they could possess the Promised Land. Even so are “wilderness” testing necessary for us to prepare us to possess the fullness of the inheritance that God has prepared for us. “For the righteous God tries the heart and the reins” (Ps. 7:9)
9. Be Faithful
In Revelation 17:14, we read of certain ones with the lamb sharing His power and victory, and they are said to be “called, and chosen, and faithful.” In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), those who are commended and invited to enter the greater inheritance are greeted with the words, “Well done, you good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” Notice the emphasis on faithfulness. God does not ask us to do great and mighty things for Him. Still, He does require that we be faithful in the small things committed to us, for “ it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (I Cor. 4:2). Also, the Lord requires faithfulness in the sense of “fidelity” in our covenant-commitment and love relationship to Him. James tells us that the “friendship (intimacy) of the world is enmity with God” (James. 4:4). In II Corinthians 11:1-3, Paul says to the Corinthian Christians: “I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (11:2). But then he expresses concern lest the serpent (Satan) who beguiled Eve would succeed in corrupting them from the “simplicity” (single-hearted and pure devotion) towards the Christ (11:3). In other words, concern lest they be unfaithful, and not committed to their first love” (see Rev. 2:4). Lord, Help us to be among the called, chosen and faithful.
10. Watch and Pray
Jesus connected the words “watch” and “pray” on multiple occasions. To “watch” means to be awake and alert and “on guard” against the tactics and encroachments of the enemy. Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (matt. 26:41). Thus, prayer is coupled with “watching,” for we need to “reach out” for the Lord’s strength and enablement. Prayer is the soul’s awareness of its complete dependence upon God. We dare not trust the “arm of the flesh” (see Jer. 17:5-8). Prayer is a part of our weaponry against the “wiles” of the devil (Eph. 6:18). Jesus also admonished us to “watch and pray” with reference to the approaching end of the age and His coming again.
“you take heed, watch and pray; for you don’t know when the time is…You watch therefore: for you don’t know when the master of the house comes…lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:33, 35-37 (see Lk. 17:36)
11. Love His Appearing
Paul speaks of the “crown” laid up for him, which he will receive on the day of the Lord’s coming, and also for all who “love His appearing” (II Tim.4:8). This “crown” is NOT salvation, but rather the privilege of “ruling” with Christ is His glorious realm. Are you ready for the “crown”? Then ask yourself this question: “Am I longing for His return? “Does it thrill my soul to think of the lover of my soul coming soon?” “Do I love His appearing?” The Hebrew writer reminds us that “unto them that LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Heb. 9:28). Jesus, referring to the worldwide distress of nations and other signs, said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up (expectantly), and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh” (Lk. 21:28). What a glorious thought: He is coming soon!
12. Press on Towards the Goal
In Philippians 3:13, Paul says of himself: “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” First, Paul admonishes, forget the past! We can get so hung up on past failures, disappointments, sins, etc., that it hinders our “going on” with the Lord. We must put the past in the same place God has: in the “sea” of His forgetfulness. Benefiting from past experiences in learning essential lessons is good, but other than that, all time and attention given to “brooding” over the past is folly. Forget it! Then Paul says, “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call.” Notice he uses the word “call.” Salivation is a gift, not a calling (Rom. 6:23). The “calling” is to win the PRIZE, for which one is crowned (I Cor. 9:24-27), was that of being in the “out resurrection,” “out from” the earth (Phil. 3:11) into the glorified estate to be a co-ruler and co-heir with Christ in His Heavenly Kingdom realm. This can be ours only if we “press on” and do not give up. One of the most important principles the Lord wants to teach us is persistence or steadfastness (Heb. 6:12, 15,10:32, 34-36).
13. Cultivate A Growing, Personal Relationship With The Lord
Paul wanted so much to be related to the Lord in an intimate way that he declared, “I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…that I may KNOW Him… and be found ( in experience) IN HIM” (Read Phil. 3:7-10). To the foolish virgins, Jesus said, “I know you not” (Matt. 25:12). “Knowing” in this sense means a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. The foolish virgins were saved people who were not walking close to the Lord Enoch is a type of those to be translated, and “Enoch walked WITH God” (Gen. 5:22), and God translated him without the experience of death (Heb. 11:5). Jesus said to Philip: “Have I been so long time with you, and yet you have not known me, Philip?” (Jn. 14:9). What pathos! How the Lord must feel grieved when He has been with most Christians so long, and yet they do not know Him in a living, personal, intimate way. Peter admonishes us to “grow in grace (favor), and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3:18). Not just a head knowledge, but a growing inner experience of “knowing” Him through His grace working in our lives by the Holy Spirit.
14. Build Upon The Rock
(Read Matt. 7:24-27). These words (and parables) conclude Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. If we hear His saying and DO them, we are like the wise man who built his house (life) on THE rock. The King James version says “a rock,” but the original Greek text has THE rock, for Jesus Christ, Himself (and all He taught) is that specific ROCK upon which we must build (see I Cor. 3:11). Such a “house,” Jesus, said, would STAND in the storms, whereas the house built upon sand would FALL in the time of testing. There are many “storms” of life that TEST how well we are coming, which is to be a time of testing such as the world has never seen (see Lk. 21:25-26, Rev. 3:10). And we need to BUILD we now, that when the “floods” of satanic oppression and persecution come in fullness, we will be able to withstand all that shall come upon us and to remain unshakable on that solid rock.
15. Abide In His Presence
Psalm 91 has ever been a source of great comfort to Christians, but the Divine protection and provision promised is conditioned; it is for those who “dwell” or “abide” in a specific “place.”
“He that dwells in the secret place of theMost High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my REFUGE, and my fortress; my God; in him will I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
I believe verse 2 is particularly significant, for the ministry of ANGELS is going to increase dramatically in the closing years of this dispensation. “For he shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Help us, Lord, to abide in You finding that perfect “resting” place of security, for “I will trust in the covert of your wings” (Ps. 61:4, see also Isa. 32:2). Amen!