These are sober times to reflect on the judgment that is soon to come on this nation in full force. Indeed, homosexuality, secularism, and those who believe they are a law unto themselves are judgments in themselves on this nation.
Those whose happiness is tied up in things will find those things passing away. Truly, we must examine to see what attachments we have for this world system. Here is our power during times of persecution–indeed, it should be our mindset even now,
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
And our attitude should be,
“…if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1Peter 4:16-19)
Our Blessed Hope is not escaping trials and persecution in itself, nor having wealth and good health. What is our Blessed hope? It is now, being secure in the love of Christ; and it is a future promise of being with Christ at his appearing and subsequent fellowship in glory. It is not a blessed hope to see Christ at his return in the midst of watching television sitting on a plush sofa cramming our faces with food. No. It is a blessed hope for the one who is naked and hungry sitting on a hard floor in jail who refused to bow the knee to Antichrist. It is a blessed hope for the one who has been betrayed by their children and siblings for the Name of Christ. It will be a blessed hope to see Christ at his return in the midst of persecution–not prosperity.
And in those future dark days, may we press close to our hearts this most awesome promise from our Creator and Savior,
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39) (Katherine views this passage as pivotal as well.)
May we prepare our hearts now, for God does not honor unprepared foolish virgins who will not be vigilant. It is Godly wisdom to prepare now for the banquet.
