Maranatha Series

A few weeks ago I posted a blog about why the end times are important. I feel the need to continue writing about this topic, the blessed hope of Jesus' glorious appearing (Titus 2:13). I want to spark the interest of people who might not have thought about it before. My first point in that last post was about how the return of Jesus is how we finish the story, and is extremely important. I want to talk more about that, from the perspective of watching a drama unfold, either in a theater, a novel, or a movie. Have you ever watched a movie that leaves you with so many loose ends? I hate that. To me, that is a poorly written story. We want/need closure. Here are a few things to think about, maybe some 'loose ends' so to speak, that are yet to come in this unfolding drama.

1. Villain - we see throughout the Bible (and in our own lives today) that there is an enemy among us. He steals. He kills. He destroys. He did, however, suffer a major blow when Jesus rose from the dead, making a way for sinners to be atoned and receive eternal life (hallelujah!). But he knows his time is short, (Rev 12:12) and he is filled with a rage that wants to eliminate God's chosen people (Israel) and the grafted in olive branches (the Church) (Rev 12:17). Don't you want to know what will happen to him? Will he be successful in his mission? I'm anxious to see!

2. The enemy's puppet - There's a character that we have yet to see that the old testament prophets, the apostles, and Jesus all alluded to. The lawless one, the man of sin, the son of perdition (2 Thess 2) the beast, or, as he's more commonly known as, the anti-christ. This man will be a 'substitute anointed one' and will have far reaching power and authority politically, economically, militarily, and religiously. Daniel tells us he will have a 7 year reign, John tells us he will suffer a mortal wound, Jesus quotes Daniel in warning of this 'abomination of desolation' and that when you see it you should flee Jerusalem. There is so much to be understood about this evil man, and not for the sake of knowing facts, but because he will deceive many (Rev 13:14) and most of the inhabitants of the earth will worship him (Rev 13:8) and he will be Satan's puppet to conquer and kill the saints (Rev 13:7). He will seem very appealing, so we must be on guard and know what to look for! (Rev 13:3b-4)

3. Israel - the Lord's chosen people. The whole Bible is really about this group. Their devotion, their waywardness, their captivity, their freedom, their land, and their city, it's all so important to God. If we don't take the time to study the word, we're left thinking that God has most likely turned his back on them forever and that now the church is God's new chosen people. If that were true, it would be a contradiction of God's own character. He made a covenant with these people and He chose them, even with their hardened hearts (Gen 15:17-21) The end of the story for Israel is great and terrible (Joel 2:11). Jesus said He won't come back until they want Him (Matt 23:39) so that means something has to change. God also cares about the land and will set up a throne in Jerusalem for Jesus to reign on forever (Luke 1:32) If you have any understanding of what it's like in Jerusalem, and what currently sits on the temple mount, you'll know that there are some big plot twists coming to look forward to!

4. The Bride & Bridegroom - in an attempt to not join the blog world in criticizing the church, I will keep this brief. The bridegroom Jesus has left to prepare a place for His bride. He will come back for her, but will she be ready? Will she be blameless and without offense (Phil 1:10)? Will she have bright and clean garments to wear (this stands for the righteous acts of the saints) (Rev 19:7-8)? Will she be joining the Spirit in a unified cry for the return of her Bridegroom, King, and Judge (Rev 22:17)? Will she hasten His coming with a holy lifestyle (2 Peter 3:11-12)? What will it be like when they are united at last!? (Rev 19:9)

5. The vindication of the oppressed - like I said before, it's plain to see that there is an enemy among us. One thing that I believe most of the world is longing to see is justice for the oppressed. For those young and innocent ones who have been treated in the foulest ways, we wish to see the wrong things made right. Only one person can bring about true justice (Deut 32:35) (Rom 12:19) (Heb 10:30) Only one person can still be merciful in the midst of wrath. Only one person can release judgments and not harm man's free will. This man is Jesus, and He has it in His heart to do these things. (Revelation 6-19)

So, these are just a few things that I hope will 'whet your appetite' and point you to the scriptures. This is more than just a drama or a story. This is real life. These are real people and it's really going to happen here on earth. The more I dive into the Word of God with these things in mind, the more excited I get about my walk with the Lord. Feeling dull and complacent? Wishing you had that zeal and passion you had before? Search out God's plans to make all things beautiful in time. Dive into just how glorious His return will be. Meditate on the merciful gift of the resurrection of the body. Get excited about living with God on earth as a human without sin and with a perfect body. I can't wait! Love grows in my heart for God the more and more I anchor my hope in the age to come.

Come Lord Jesus!