Responding To A Must Come...

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
(Matthew 24:6 KJV)

In the above passage, Jesus tells us that all must come to pass: All what?

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:

I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you,

Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise

pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
(Matthew 5:17-18 KJV)

The "all" that Jesus refers too, is, the all that has been written. Notice, Jesus says that in order for there to be a complete fulfillment of the Law, Heaven and Earth must pass away. He also unites The Law and The Prophets. If all of the Law must be fulfilled, so must also the words of the Prophets.

Before continuing lets make it absolutely clear that the Prophets we are referring too are the ancients; those that are compiled in scripture. The modern day, self proclaiming prophets may have prophetic functions, but they are not the prophets that we are concerned with in this writing; unless of course we make reference to false prophets. And further more I am not saying that all modern day prophets are false.

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables,

when we made known unto you the power and coming

of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

For he received from God the Father honour and glory,

when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory,

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this

voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were

with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word

of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the

day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing

this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time

by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they

were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2 Peter 1:16-21 KJV)

Peter attempts to justify his position by explaining that he was not following after the fables of the day when he speaks of the power and coming of the Lord, but was actually an eyewitness to it. He also speaks of hearing the Fathers voice when up on the mountain with Jesus and other disciples. But notice that he places more value on the ancient prophesies than he does his own physical senses. We need to heed this word.

Our physical senses are of the flesh and will mislead us if we do not train them to respond accurately.

For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV)

Remembering from earlier discussions that the good and evil that needs to be discerned is not good and evil events, but rather, good and poneros doctrine; evil doctrine that is hurtful in influence; Doctrine that influences us toward a position of wrong response or apostasy. And the only way we are going to be able to discern that doctrine accurately, is by not allowing our physical senses or circumstances to determine our reactions and responses. This speaks of developing habitual responses that will supercede our fleshly reactions when pressed, as Paul put it, beyond measure. And as Jesus warned, that beyond measure season must come to pass.

Peter also reveals to us a foundational truth; that in order to have insight into what is going to occur in the future, you must understand first that scriptural prophecy came to us by God moving upon men. Does God still move upon men today? Absolutely. So, how are we today supposed to discern what is true revelation from God and what is false?

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as

there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall

bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that

bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(2 Peter 2:1 KJV)

The first rule of discernment is: Jesus.

If any word spoken, whether by prophet, pastor, apostle, teacher or mailman contradicts the words of Christ, it is false. If they teach it as a doctrine, they are false teachers. If they release prophetic words that contradict Jesus’ prophesies; they are false prophets. If they move apostolically in ways that contradict Jesus, they are false apostles. If they deliver junk mail…?

The point being of course, anything that contradicts (denying) what Jesus has said must come to pass: is false. Any doctrine that contradicts what Jesus has taught is false. Well meaning interpretation has absolutely no place in the Church of Jesus Christ; especially when it comes to doctrine or prophecy. It is either true or it is false. We cannot and must not settle for gray. Am I saying that we have arrived at a place where we know all things? Absolutely not! But if we do not attempt to begin to separate the true from the false that we have already been exposed too, we may find ourselves on the wrong end of the end-time equation.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. {12} For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
(1 Corinthians 13:11-12 KJV)

Paul speaks of a process that is involved in the ability to accurately discern, a process that, when revealed to him, allowed him to put away the childish things. Notice that it was something he did: “I put away childish things”. He came to a place of realization that there were things holding him back from moving forward into deeper revelation. (Notice I said revelation, not revelations. There is only one revelation and that of Jesus Christ. Many depths: into only one revelation.) We too must come to this place; a place of accurately discerning our own childish, immature, and false doctrinal positions; especially as they relate to the end of the age.

With this as a preface: How should we respond when we witness ancient prophecy coming to pass in our day? How do we know that is the case; that prophecy is being fulfilled? The answer to both of these questions is the same: in faith.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that

cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a

rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6 KJV)

What does it mean to please God? The word please used here is the word euaresteo and means to gratify entirely. But, in order to glean a deeper understanding of the how to gratify God entirely we must look at the root of euaresteo. Euaresteo comes from the word euarestos, which means to be fully agreeable with. So if we apply this definition to the above scripture, we now see that in order to please God, we must become fully agreeable with Him.

This is the ultimate position of Christ likeness and answers the question: Why did God have to become flesh and send His Son to die on a cross on Earth. Because the Law required blood for its redemption and there was not a man in the Earth that would be fully agreeable with God, of his own volition, to the point of death. So He sent His Son: Jesus.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man,

then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself;

but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that

sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do

always those things that please him.
(John 8:28-29 KJV)

Jesus only did what the Father told him to do, only said what the Father told him to say, and remained in a posture that was pleasing, fully agreeable, with the Father; even acknowledging that his death was part of that agreeableness.

So as the end of the age is upon us and we see multitudes of prophetic events unfolding before our eyes: what do you suppose our position should be with regards to these events? How should we respond? If we are called to be Christ-like, should we not then be fully agreeable with the Father? How are we able to do so? How did the early Church respond to the illumination of prophetic fulfillment? They did so by acknowledging, “this is that” that was spoken.

He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
(Matthew 16:2-3 KJV)

Jesus tells us here that the Pharisees had the sensual (the use of their senses) ability to discern events in the natural realm, but were they unable to recognize the signs of the season that they were in. Because of their own erroneous doctrines they were unable to see that the Messiah they longed for was actually standing, right in front of them. But how did the supposedly ignorant and unlearned disciples of Jesus react to natural events?

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
(Acts 2:16 KJV)

What occurred to cause Peter to say such a thing? Before Jesus’ crucifixion, subsequent death and resurrection, He told the disciples of Another Comforter that would come, after His ascension. So shortly thereafter, a group of disciples (120) had gathered together in the upper room and had come to a place of passionately seeking the promised Comforter; when all heaven broke loose and the Church was birthed. It arrived with such force that all of Jerusalem knew something had happened. A multitude of Jews had gathered outside the upper room and mocked these new spirit filled believers. But Peter heard the ancient voice of the prophet Joel and proclaimed: “this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel”. At that moment in time, two agreed as touching one thing and it came to pass.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth

as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them

of my Father which is in heaven.
(Matthew 18:19 KJV)

The word agree used here is the word sumphoneo; it is the word we derive symphony from. It means to be in harmony with. Note that it does not say that they have to be in the same place and the same time for this fulfillment to occur. Joel spoke it 500 years earlier and Peter agreed with him; hence it came to pass. God does not run on chronos: but on kairos.

He does not have a Rolex: He holds the index. The recognition of ancient prophesy in current season is not a new phenomena. Numerous occasions are mentioned in the New Testament. We are familiar with many that spoke of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, but are we familiar with the ones that would cause us to stumble if they were to occur today?

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men,

was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children

that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from

two years old and under, according to the time which he had

diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which

was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
(Matthew 2:16-17 KJV)

When these babies were being slaughtered; how many in Jerusalem thought about the prophetic fulfillment of Jeremiah’s words? How many saw it coming? Were there any in Jerusalem that were bearing witness to the coming of the Messiah. Many! The Wise Men from the East came to Herod asking about the Messiah and he in turn called in all of the Chief Priests and the Scribes of the people to inquire of the Christ. So there had to be a stirring in the hearts of the people. But did they see the slaughter coming? No. Why? They hadn’t been taught to look for it. So they didn’t.

But The Prophet, Jesus, has told us, as the end-time Church, on numerous occasions, to be acutely aware of where we are during the time of the end. Are we? And how will we respond? How should we respond?

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
(Matthew 24:6 KJV)

Jesus tells us that when you begin to sense natural events unfolding before you do not respond in fear. The word troubled is throeo, which is defined as to wail; to clamor with an inference of one being afraid. So the first rule of response is to avoid responding from a fearful position. Fear is the opposite of faith and will never allow you to be fully agreeable with the Father. Fear is both a fleshly and worldly response. At the root of fear, one can always find the preconception of loss; loss of life, loss of possessions, loss of companionship; something lost. Fear breeds unbelief and If you respond in fear, faith is no longer present. You don’t believe that you can be delivered from your present status and in the realm of the kingdom, if you don’t believe that God has the ability to deliver you, He may not.

The reason that fear is considered a fleshly response; is because it is based upon your emotions, rather than upon reality. Fear is generated in your mind when faith is absent: Hence the need to “face your fears” because, fear is rooted in your imagination; you imagine the outcome of a situation or circumstance, rather than believing that God is in control it.

... All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
NIV Psalm 139:16b

... Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
NLT Psalm 139:16b

If all of your days, every moment, are already written out in detail in His book, what have you to fear? That’s why Jesus is called the Author and Finisher of your faith; because He wrote it out; He literally authored all your days. He has also wrote out the ending of your days; you will not perish from this realm until all of your days have transpired as he has written. So what is there to fear? Gods will?

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)

Paul tells us, that God did not give us this spirit of fear but in its place gave us the spirit to have a sound mind. Fear is a spirit; Power is a spirit; Love is a spirit and so is a sound mind. You in your unbelief, choose to have a spirit of fear; so choose to have a sound mind instead; by trusting God rather than your unbridled emotions.

The phrase sound mind is the word sophronismos and is defined as a discipline, but comes from the root sophron, which means self-controlled or moderate as to opinion or passion. This definition describes an individual that has disciplined their mind; to respond appropriately in any given situation or circumstance; void of any unnecessary personal thoughts (opinion) or emotions (passion).

A perfect example of proper response in a season of must comes is found in Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in captivity in Babylon when king Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree for all to fall and worship his idol when the trumpets sounded. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were believers in the Most High God, God, and had made it perfectly clear from the onset that they were not going to bow to any idol. When it became readily apparent that these three young men were not going to worship his idol, Nebuchadnezzar ordered them thrown into the fiery furnace. As with all good executions they were afforded their last words. They replied:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
(Daniel 3:16-18 KJV)

Facing imminent death, the three Hebrew children take a stand; not a stand on their human abilities: but a stand on God. They make a bold proclamation: “If our God is able and He will”. They didn’t know for sure that God was able to deliver them from this circumstance, but they left the door to hope open by leaving it in His will. There is nothing that God cannot deliver us from, but their statement was not meant to imply that He (God) didn’t have the ability to secure their lives, but rather they were implying that if He is able within His will to deliver them, He would. They left that decision in Gods hands. They then made known the decision that was in their hands: If He chooses not to deliver us, we still won’t bow to your idol!

One of the key points that need be seen in this example of accuracy under stress is their statement “we are not careful to answer thee in this matter”. This statement implies that they were not going to waste anytime in they’re answer to the kings challenge. It shows a readiness to except whatever God has for them; an ultimate display of trusting and acknowledging God in the place that they find themselves.

The New Testament parallel of this response can be found when Jesus sent out the twelve:

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake,
for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
(Matthew 10:18-20 KJV)

Take no thought for what your going to say or how your going to say it; If God has brought you to a place of testimony; He will give you the words you are to speak. But as in everything you receive from God, it must be mixed with faith. If you don’t believe that He has you where you are; and that He is aware of your situation; you will be overcome by fear and intimidation when the call to arise is issued.

Our human tendency is to plan out the how’s and the what’s we are going to face before we actually face them. We want our words to be eloquent and our presentation to be its best. We want to package the presentation to show us in the best possible light. That is pride; plain and simple.
Paul said:

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:1-5 KJV)

All flesh trembles in fear when God is present, but Paul shows us here that he over-ruled his flesh and allowed the power of God to be released and solely for the testimony of God. Many of the so-called great men of God in our day are nothing more than great orators; they have the ability to orally relate a message with mans wisdom and mans power.

Behold, I have told you before.
(Matthew 24:25 KJV)