“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11 NKJV
If you are a watcher like I am, I am reasonably certain that you have looked at the state of this world, the state of this country, and without a doubt the events of the past couple of weeks and wondered why in heaven’s name are we still here? The internet was and is full of predictions of our deliverance from this world yet here we are, still waiting for our call to come home. Something I learned as a small child and something I am equally sure most of you have learned by now is that the greater your expectations are, the more disappointed you are when it doesn’t come to pass. As believers, our hope and expectation is in the Lord and the rapture of the Church to be with Him forever in our heavenly home. Yet although the signs seem to indicate the end is near, the Church is still here.
This passage from the book of Revelation has always served as a warning to me personally, as teaching about eschatology produces in me a desire and expectation that others might not share. The fact that we are told to “hold fast” obviously implies that at some point in time it will be a struggle to do so. As I thought about this, it occurred to me that there are three steps leading downward we need to avoid at all costs, and by understanding what they are we can begin to maintain our perspective and better cope with the situation we find ourselves in as we wait patiently for our Lord. It would appear to me that Paul might have been dealing with this in his letter to the church at Philippi, and his advice to them certainly seems to me to provide us some help while struggling with our feelings as we watch and wait.
Disappointment
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
Paul’s first reminder to the church is that we have a promise from God that Jesus will return to take us to heaven, the place prepared for us to live for eternity with Him. When we accepted His gift of eternal life, we became citizens of heaven and although we may be living on this earth right now, it is but temporary and we have a promise from God Himself that we need to remind ourselves of daily in order to avoid the disappointment which can come from our having to wait. This earth is not our home, and we need to focus on His promise rather than the disappointment of still being here.
Discouragement
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
Have you found yourself becoming discouraged by having to wait so long for our deliverance from this world? Have you considered that discouragement is one of Satan’s best weapons against believers who choose to watch for Christ’s return? Disappointment, if left unchecked, leads directly to discouragement. Have you ever noticed that inside of the word discouragement is the word courage? One of the first things that can happen to a discouraged believer is losing the courage to speak of what he or she believes in. Paul says to rejoice always! Have you talked with God about your struggles? Have you told Him you are disappointed and discouraged? Paul says if we do, His peace will surround us and help us guard against this downward spiral.
Despair
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV
To me, despair is the bottom of the emotional hole Satan wants all of us to fall into. Despair is a total lack of hope, and it is a result of focusing solely on the negative, and ignoring all of the positive promises of God that are available to us as believers. Paul says here to meditate, the Greek word for number, all the things God has done and promised to do for us. To combat despair, believers need to number the many blessings we do have, and the future blessings we have been promised which will help us regain the trust that we will receive that which has yet to be given.
I mentioned that there were a few failed predictions this past year, and to be truthful, I think I can safely say that this year will also give rise to many failed predictions. As believers, we need to be especially careful to focus solely on what the Word of God says, rather than what man might say based on his own dreams or calculations. The fact that we are warned to “hold fast” is both a command and a warning that the time will come when we will lose heart and begin to doubt the promises we have been given. God has not only foreseen what is happening right now, but also orchestrated events to bring the world to this point. The simple fact that the Church is still here tells us that we also have a job to do as part of God’s master plan.
I’m would not be surprised to find that Noah experienced his share of doubt and disappointment in the last few months before God’s call to enter the ark. Knowing it was close to being finished yet having to wait and endure the mocking of unbelievers all around him certainly sounds familiar considering the times we find ourselves living in today. I’m willing to bet he had to endure persecution and threats of violence to both himself and his family just as many believers are lately. While Noah may have seen the ark nearing completion, when he heard God call for him to enter I have no doubt he was surprised.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Church today finds itself in the very same position Noah was at just before God made the call to enter the ark. Yet God made a promise to Noah and He has made one to us as well. The Church must “hold fast” as we finish the work we were created to do and wait for God to tell His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring us home.
Keep watching.
