This virus and this election have really been a godsend for defining people’s tribes!
If you didn’t know where you stood before, you do now, probably.
For me, death and conflict have added to the definition as refining agents.
I had two choices: fade away, or take a stand.
I guess it was in my character to take a stand. I’m an exhorter/evangelist by spiritual gift, a teacher by trade, and a discerner by default.
I’ll be the one standing in line at the guillotine.
(Unless the rapture…!)
As a believer in Jesus Christ I think that the aspects of the seven year tribulation will not apply to me. Persecution, yes, but God’s wrath, no. Those head choppers might be here sooner rather than later.
I belong to the tribe that will say good-bye to life on earth.
I belong to the tribe that stands on Scripture, and Christ.
I belong to the tribe that values God’s creation, life, and OTHER PEOPLE.
I belong to the tribe that takes a stand for righteousness.
As a believer I am commanded to treat others as I would treat myself: love your neighbor as you would love yourself.
I have been doing a lot of reading this year, since Brian’s death. Although I do not agree with Hannah Hurnard’s theology completely, I do see value in much of what she learned as a Christian living as a missionary. Her books have blessed me with insights about Scripture with concrete application of Christ’s teaching.
I’m reading “Walking Among the Unseen” right now. Right off the bat she defines the power of Christ in obedience to Him through transformation by the Holy Spirit.
When you are transformed you can literally transform—your attitude, your trust, your own outlook.
When you are cursed, you bless back.
When you are hated, you love back.
When you are sad, you praise God.
When you are ungrateful, you thank Him.
When you are angry, you bless.
When you are unloved, you trust.
Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. A heart that loves God will seek to obey Him (keep His commands!) The power of this transformation is the key to joy and living through the trials that will inevitably come.
Forgiving the unforgiveable is extremely hard, but it is possible with Christ. All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
Being joyful in a time of death and grief is something to wonder at, but it is possible to grieve and still have peace and joy. When you are anchored in the God of heaven you cling to His promises, his assurances, and you have peace. Complete peace.
This brings joy. It may not look like joy outwardly, to those who watch you, but it is that. It is a deep trust that knows THE END.
I’ve said this so many times: I hate suspense. That is why I love Bible prophecy so much!
We did a unit on John Williams this week at the Middle School. We listened to six of his movie themes. I told the kids how I hate horror films, films that have suspense. I rarely (never!) watch them, but I know turning off the music at suspenseful parts makes the entire film less scary.
I don’t like suspense. I like to know the end.
And I do, thankfully, with God’s Word.
My tribe has been watching the developments in the world for decades, centuries. We know that Christ is coming again, that a world system (entire world system) will be put in place.
Yes, you preterists have your examples of world systems and all sorts of excuses for things that couldn’t have possibly happened yet. There are always patterns!
I will stand on the truths that the world will one day end (at least 1,007 years from this moment) and the reign of Christ Himself on earth will commence after the 49th week of Daniel.
It makes sense.
Have you seen the wolf lie with the kid? The lion with the lamb? The snake with the child? The sky rolled back like a scroll?
I haven’t either.
I’m with the tribe that is waiting for a catching away—-a meeting with Christ in the air! I’m with the tribe that is coming back to earth (on white horses!) to reign with Christ for a thousand years.
Miracles do happen.
It is a miracle when a life is transformed, when one can turn a hurt into a blessing.
It is a miracle when someone joins your tribe, because that is an act of the HOLY SPIRIT.
So don’t be discouraged, dear one.
We know the end, we are a tribe that is standing with joy and anticipation of God’s blessing, even now.
He can turn our mourning into joy, our anger into peace, our hate into love. He transforms.
Love them, serve them, pray for them.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit will open their eyes to the truth. Perhaps they will become a part of our tribe!
MARANATHA!