And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. – Luke 24:49-53
I don’t know when these things will be, but it seems that the Lord is unveiling some things rather rapidly. However, it is true of the scriptures and of prophesy in general that these things are not given of any “private interpretation.”
There are many interpretations and fulfillments depending on the time we are in. Then there is the culmination of all things. When that day comes, there will be no question about it because the whole world will be shaken. We are not in those times.
However, some sort of time, if not those times, are filling up as the world adds sin to sin, disregards Christ, and defiles the covenant bought with His blood.
Though many things are out of sorts, there is always a preserved people that will testify to the truth of the gospel of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Since we are a body that is knit together in Christ, and since the Holy Spirit is made available to all who seek to keep the commandments of Jesus and His teachings, I believe that many will take a stand with Him.
We do not do so alone. The Holy Spirit will remain and strengthen those to whom God says, “these are my beloved sons, in whom I am well pleased.” To the others, their “candlestick is removed out of its place.” I have some things to write about this, because we all need to consider ways in which we are as the unfaithful.
Repentance is needed for all of us in some measure. It is those who assume that they have it all, that they are the only true churches or true Christians that are in the most danger because they do not see their lack. They are not “poor in spirit” but consider themselves to be “rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing.” “Wretched, poor, bloody, and naked” are these.
It is by the blood of Jesus that we are cleansed. There is no other way. However, we must be faithful, by the grace of God, to the calling we have received of Him. I know that all who have faith were given faith by God, and none can take His chosen away from Him. He is merciful, patient, and faithful to complete the work in us that He began. So, have faith. Fear God also, seek mercy, show mercy, and put Jesus above all others.
If we are the faithful church, then we are as Jerusalem. If we “tarry at Jerusalem” as those who are the “temple of God not built with hands” as those who honor Jesus, praise Him, trust in Him, fear Him, and seek His will for us, then we will receive power from the Holy Spirit so that we can overcome more fully for His Name’s sake.
Say no more, “the house of the Lord,” or “isn’t it good the be in the house of God?” all you corrupt and profane pastors who defile the way of the Lord!
Those who are sincere will not leave the sheep scattered, because they are not “hirelings” but true servants of God and faithful stewards. Yet, you must be willing to step down, stewards, knowing that your King returns. However, we also remember that the False One comes first. When he makes war with you, know it is the will of God because many religious leaders are power hungry. They do not want to see their fine buildings and fat ministries come to naught.
Jesus came to overthrow the barriers between man and God, not so that many men could erect more of them!
Though faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, and though we cannot know of the gospel without a preacher, and though we cannot understand without a teacher—these are but men—and many are treated as demigods. We all have the same access to God, and the more we depend on these men and women the fatter and lazier in spirit we become. We have to mature, realize that WE are the temple of God, and seek Jesus with our whole heart.
That way, when it is said again that “there shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down,” we will not be moved by this. We will know that this is the Lord’s doing. He gives the world into the hands of our enemies as He has always done, to purge the unfaithful from us as they are “taken” by the false prophet’s deceit. It is a woeful day, but we can stand with Jesus in that day, as the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace.
However, we must “tarry in Jerusalem” until we receive power from the Lord. This is not literal Jerusalem, but spiritual Jerusalem. The Jerusalem of the faithful church, not built with hands, but by the Holy Spirit of God and paid for with the blood of the Lamb of God and our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I suppose I do write as if it is near. The Lord knows. This could be a near fulfilment, or perhaps something for many years ahead. Maybe God is good to give us time to prepare. I do not desire to see That Day, because it is a woeful day, but “even so, come Lord, Jesus.”
On a final note, Paul the Apostle said the Jesus will judge all of our works, and Paul himself did not judge himself. I cannot judge myself either. I know my heart has been tried of the Lord, and I think I am sincere and speaking the truth. However, many seem to think they are sincere too and from where I stand they have grievous errors. So, “let God be true and every man a liar.” We must do our part to seek Jesus ourselves, so I encourage you who read this to do the same.
Jesus Alone 