It is amazing how fast this world is changing. As I look upon the strange happenings in the political world and behold how close we are to war, as I see and experience the pangs of inflation, and watch in horror as it truly seems like men’s hearts are growing cold to the needs and desires of their fellow men.
More and more I cannot help but wonder where has joy gone? Where has the peace and happiness that makes our life upon this sin tinged earth disappeared to?
With great sadness, I look around and behold pitiful scenes of want. My heart aches as I see so many weighted down by fear of the future. And I long all the more for the wonderful day when true joy, a joy free of the taint of sin, will at last be ours. O how I look forward to the day when Jesus stand up and says no more and the battle between good and evil comes to an end.
Right now as the drums of war pound in our ears, as the bombs of what could easily turn into world engulfing war fall heavily upon the shivering soil, it is hard to picture a day when strife and blood shed will come to an end. Right now while hunger and disease rule, even a day without pain seems impossible. Yet that glorious day is almost here.
The very things that call us to cry out and ask where joy has gone, the very terrors which fill us with horror, are even now seeking to point us to the fast nearing approach of the last great battle between good and evil. Wars and rumors of war abound, the ears of man are closing to the rights and needs of their fellow men, disease almost seems to be falling like the rain from heaven, and pest are getting out of control, yet we were told that this would be state of things just before Christ returns.
But one of the biggest signs that the end of our days of trials and tears is drawing near, is the fact that we are starting to see the mask come off and we are seeing the first open attempts to rule the hearts of mankind. To tell men that for the sake of freedom you must give up your freedom. That if you want to enjoy the God given right to work for your daily bread, to buy and sell, you must silence your conscience and follow the rules and whims of man.
While these ground breaking attempts to grab power have come as a surprise to many, God’s word has warned that a day was coming when only those who receive the mark will be allowed to buy and sell.
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:17
Clearly this is a mini quiz in preparation for the final exam. Showing us that our graduation is quickly drawing near.
And while our earthly joy is fading, our heavenly joy is drawing near. Soon we will know a joy that knows no bends and will never come to an end. Because it will be a joy holy and pure, inspired by the endless wonders of Heaven and an earth made new.
As I consider that wondrous day when death and sorrow are forever buried, my heart once so heavy by the many sorrows taking place around me, cannot help but leap for joy. As I look forward with longing to that great day of release. And it is my hope that you will give your heart to Jesus and even now begin to taste a slice of this never ending joy.
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