SUMMER IS GONE---CHARLES WOODRUFF

After a brutal summer, with temperatures over 90 degrees for a total of 90 days, today is the first day of autumn. During the summertime we had very little rain, especially in September. Many in our area were quite frustrated about the summer, and are certainly ready for fall. We humans often complain about the weather, one way or another. The weather people often reflect a humanist philosophy that the weather is just patterns and routine changes. They will frequently attribute weather changes they didn’t expect to “mother nature”.

To some extent, they are right about weather patterns and routine changes. God has set up the normal functions that move the universe day by day. He has decreed that the universe will function onward as He has programmed it. Scripture tells us of this normal function that God has set. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) This is in normal times. Even in our history we have seen that there are abnormal disruptions to these day by day events.
   
     But, what of abnormal times. Throughout history there have been disruptions of the daily patterns. They do not always reflect biblical changes, at least as far as we can tell. But, God has given us details of weather events that are involved in prophecy. For instance Jesus said in Luke 21:10, 11 “Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” This is speaking of events that shall take place just before He returns to earth for His children. I am not a prophecy expert by any means, but I do know that Jesus, the resurrected one, is to return to earth one day. He said so, the angels said so; the Bible says so. He is going to return! I am as sure of that as I am of anything. Since it has been almost 2000 years since Christ was here, and all that history has passed, we can be sure it will not be long. As wicked as this world is, and with so many denying God, we know the hour is late. We all remember recently the preacher who had predicted the actual day He would return. He had done that one other time, and was wrong both times! He has rescheduled his prediction. Poor man!

      Who is it that told us that Christ would return? First of all the prophets told us. Then in the New Testament, Matthew tells us many things about His return. This stands out “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14) That particular prophecy has largely been fulfilled. Most of the world we can say has heard the gospel at some time, at least one time. It doesn’t say that all will believe, but that it will be preached. Now we ought to continue to preach everywhere until His return, because we have been commanded to do so. We do not know who the elect are. We must preach to every creature. It is an obligation we have to declare the gospel to all men and women.

Next in Mark we have a great prediction from Christ Himself of His return in reply to a question.  “But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:61, 62) Jesus was painting a picture of His return for the high priest (Caiaphas). He was making it clear that even though they would kill Him, He would not be held by death. He was going to triumph over the death, hell and the grave. He was going to return to earth.

Now let’s look briefly at Luke. “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28) There will be many things that will occur at the time of Christ’s return. If we had the time and were motivated to do so, we could look in depth at multiple prophecies. Just keep in mind that it will be a time as no other that has ever been, or shall ever be. It will be too late for any who are not already saved. It will be swift and sure. He is coming for judgement. He is coming back for His own children. Oh, my friend, do not be caught by the wrath of God!

Let us look at John also. Here the risen Christ related to John and Peter some truth regarding His final plans. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:18-24) We can see that Christ was definitely speaking of His return. The disciples question was “What shall this man do?” They wanted to know if John was going to be spared death. It was a good question, but not an accurate understanding of His coming. Jesus did not declare that John was not going to die. He was merely letting them all know that He alone had that power. He is coming back. There is so much more we could reflect on regarding that.

Let me just conclude by urging you to be ready when He comes. Millions will not be ready. God has already told us all “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) You can be ready by turning to Christ now, before it is too late. He is the only Saviour and Lord. Trust in Him today! Amen! He said “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) “I am that bread of life.” (John 6:48)
            Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com