On Track
Trains are made to run on tracks. If they get off the tracks disaster is certain.
The enemy of our souls is attempting to get our minds off track. If fiery darts shot at us can create confusion and fear, than our focus on the Great Commission is lost. If we lose focus, we lose a sense of direction. If we lose a sense of direction, we lose heart. If we lose heart, we become lethargic. Lethargic we become useless for God and our own worst enemy.
I knew a man who obtained pilot license. On a foggy night he tried to land his airplane. Apparently in a moment of panic he decided not to land and pressed full throttle intending to go up. Instead he turned the plane directly into the ground. It was a terrible tragedy.
Too often I see people who have lost any sense of whether they are going up or down. They are running full throttle to disaster. Their walk and their talk is inconsistent. They speak pious words, but their works do not demonstrate “If any man will come after me (Jesus), let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24).
Prophecy of the Bible speaks of man and woman becoming increasing self-centered as the Coming of Jesus approaches (II Timothy 3). Satan is aware of prophecy. He does not know everything, but he does have memory. He has been around since before the Garden of Eden. Our enemy knew Adam and conversed with him. Our enemy has had 6,000 years of studying God’s creation of man and woman. While our enemy can not read our minds, he can watch our behaviors and see what we do. Thus, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life are still the primary methods of tempting man to sin (I John 2:16). There is no reason for satan to develop other methods, since these three have worked so well.
Fear is one of the great weapons of hell. Oddly, fear has a weird twist on human behavior. After 9/11 people ate junk food to feel good. It was a psychological out for stress. Fear also increases concern for a person’s own welfare, e.g., during Hitler’s reign of terror mothers turned their own children in to the Gestapo. Fear also runs away from responsibility for others. If satan can convince the saints to pamper “self” then the body of the Church falls apart. Responsibility is forfeited for self-interest. Caring for others is neglected in self-indulgence. Of course, selfishness will neglect honest stewardship and care for missionaries.
The question is whether the train is still on track? Is Jesus still seated in heaven beside Our Father? Will Jesus return for the Church and take believers out of this world before horrible judgment is rendered? Will there be an anti-christ who will insist on numbering every person and organization with a digital variation of 666?
What do we see? We see the rise of terrorism as it was before Rome came to power. Rome conquered terrorism with an “iron fist”. Rome was ruthless. No mercy. It was not until Rome reigned strong that the seas were essentially rid of pirates and roads were fairly safe to travel. It seems to me that terrorism will continue to be a worldwide threat until the anti-christ comes to power. The anti-christ will insist on numbering persons with a satanic seal as a means of providing international security. Those not taking the seal of the anti-christ will be killed.
Where are we? We are on track. Countless pieces seem to imply there is no harmony, no hope, and no logic. Will we fall into the hands of extremist religions that will return mankind to Dark Ages of ignorance, fear, and reckless unconcern for value of life? The answer is “NO”.
Yes there will be struggles. However, God is still in charge. Satan has limited power. Christ will have His Church. The Church is firmly on track. Nothing has happened that is strange to God. Nothing has happened that has shaken the foundations of heaven to make God nervous or throw prophecy off course or delay the Coming of Jesus.
Rest assured, My Friend, when the day is done, when every knee shall bow and give account to Christ, the events of history will be synchronized with Heaven’s Timetable!
One thing more. There is a great revival in our world. The Holy Spirit is moving mightily. Nations are being shaken by the power of the gospel. Missionaries are doing their work. In many nations that are ruled by despots and demonic powers multitudes are coming to know Jesus as Savior.
If you are in Him, be at peace. All is well.
With firm hope,
Pastor Bare
Luke 19:13 “...Occupy till I come.”