| Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. I Corinthians 10:11 |
| The Suffering of Job... A Type of the Coming Great Tribulation |
| The events covered in the Old Testament writings are much more than a history log and collection of prophecy and poetry. Rather, they carry a serious import for anyone one who believes and is obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ in this present era. I am persuaded in the Spirit that the trial of Job was preserved in the holy writings for the benefit of the body of Christ in these end times. The word admonition as referenced in I Corinthians 10:11 can be defined as “cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger)”. Therefore, we should look closely at the ‘things which happened unto them’ and discern what example God has placed there for our guidance and direction. Obviously, Job’s saga is a vivid depiction of perseverance under extreme trial. But a close examination of Job’s reactions in the first two chapters – particularly what he said – is very revealing in guiding us in our initial response as the day approaches when we find ourselves under severe persecution – the persecution during which the entity the Bible describes as “the Beast” is permitted “to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.” Man’s Typical Response to Persecution/Tribulation Significant attention in this story focuses on the option to curse God under circumstances of severe trial or anguish. Verse 5 of Chapter 1 reveals that Job is adamant about offering sacrifice and interceding for his sons, in the possible event that they may have cursed God. In fact, cursing God is so inherent in the sinful nature of man that Satan was twice convinced that given the right conditions, even righteous Job would curse God. Failing to elicit this response from a series of catastrophic events, in desperation Satan spoke through Job’s wife – the person closest to him - to incite him to curse God. So, early on in the story we are given key insight into two potential stumbling blocks for the persevering saint – circumstances and family relationships. Everyone can praise God and high five when the job is secure, the money in coming in, the investments are gaining value, there is plenty to eat and ones’ health is good. Even non spiritual family members are content to bask in the peace and stability associated with a relationship with a believer-priest. The time of Jacob’s Trouble, however, will make all of this obsolete – and like rats leaving a sinking ship – people without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ will seek to disengage themselves from the focus of persecution. Sound outlandish? Listen to the words of Jesus himself... "Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. Mark 13:12 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. Luke 21:16 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." Matthew 24:10 When the persecution starts, that’s when the hatred and betrayal begins. Combine that with a loss of material sustenance, designation as an enemy of the state, and possible loss of health and you can begin to see why this period is called “The Great Tribulation.” The conditions that will exist during this time will be the ultimate in severe trial and anguish, so much so that the apostle John recorded a voice from heaven saying, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13. Death will be preferable to life during this period for those serving the Lord and according to Revelation 9:6, even those who worship the Beast. But let us return to the subject of cursing God. The acceptance of the mark of the Beast, or worship of the Beast and/or its image will be considered tantamount to the ultimate cursing of God. This is evident when we consider the main identifying characteristic of the Beast (other than the fact that nobody is able to successfully wage war against him) is... ...a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. Blasphemy is defined as the act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God...to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate, blaspheme And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. Revelation 13:5-6 The Beast will - publicly and as a matter of official protocol - curse God. By extension, all who worship him will also curse God . Actually, they may have no other option. There is some speculation as to whether the ‘mark’ in the right hand or forehead involves a neural implant or other networking device that installs some sort of programming whereby the recipient has no other choice but to curse God. If so, this would explain the angel’s statement in Revelation 14:9-11... If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. It would also explain why despite the numerous woes and trumpet judgments, men are unwilling - and possibly unable – to repent! Next, let's examine ways to prepare ourselves for the days to come. Preparation for Tribulation 1) Priesthood 2) An Established Relationship with God Job as a priest over his household 1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Are we functioning as priests over our own households? Although Jesus warned us “a man's foes shall be they of his own household”, we can also trust in the knowledge that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance... II Peter 3:9. But brethren, this is not going to happen unless you – the believer priest – take the initiative and intercede consistently for your unsaved family members. And even your faithful intercession will be hindered if your life does not bear the image of Christ by daily sanctification and production of the fruit of the Spirit. You cannot pray as a believer yet live like an unbeliever. Yes, this is a burden after holding down a job and the myriad of other responsibilities and obligations we all have, especially when you would rather do something else more enjoyable ...but, is it not worth it for the souls of your children, spouse, and relatives? Prayer must be made now, while the opportunity presents. Remember Jesus’ words in John 9:4... "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." None of us know when the “night” will fall on either our live or the lives of our loved ones. So let me exhort you to pray without ceasing while it is still “day”! Job’s Established Relationship with God But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:10-12 Had Job only just become acquainted with God the week before his severe test began, it is unlikely he would have endured as he did. But the text of the book indicates a rich and long term relationship between God and Job. Job was careful to obey God’s commandments to the best of his ability, and he considered a knowledge of and obedience to God’s word more important than food for his physical body. Job and God went back so far, so to speak, that Job could confidently state...He knoweth the way I take...this speaks of relationship! And this is what God said about Job: “My servant” “none like him in the earth” “perfect” “upright” “escheweth (to shun, to avoid, to keep oneself clear of) evil” “maintaineth his integrity” Look at how this man was living before God. How many of us attain to this level today? If Job was walking like this before the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, enabling the Spirit to dwell within man, what is our excuse in this present age?? Christians who never crack their Bible open, rely on televangelists and popular Christian authors for their doctrinal understanding, fail to memorize any scriptures except the “prosperity” ones, and rely on their pastor to give them a once a week dose of the Word on Sunday morning will be among the first to succumb to the pressures of the Tribulation. Additionally, Christians who have come to rely on the teaching made popular over the past two decades – that they are entitled to the good life – will be the first to jettison their profession of faith and justify acceptance of the mark. People like this will think God does not love them because they are being exposed to horrific persecution. Or that maybe there really isn’t a God after all. Or that it is the fault of the radical, ‘love their lives not unto the death” believers that is causing the wrath of the Beast to be so intense toward Christianity. They will want the radical believers to “lighten up”...prevailing logic will probably be something like, “Listen, just go along with what the False Prophet and the Beast want. Don’t make waves. You can always still worship God and call upon Jesus in your heart.” Of course, if they had really, really read their Bibles, not just selected passages – they would know that persecution of the people of God is the rule, rather than the exception. They would know what John 15:18-21, Acts 14:22, II Timothy 3:12 teach. And if they had studied history, they would know that the early Christians weren't martyred because they served Jesus – they were killed because they wouldn't also acknowledge Caesar as God. Rome was a poly- paganistic society – you could worship any idol you wanted – as long as you were willing to pay homage to Caesar as God. The true Christians would not – and it cost them their lives. The Bible clearly teaches the only way to overcome during the Tribulation is by 1) Faith 2) Patience 3) The blood of the Lamb 4) The word of testimony (the testimony of Jesus Christ) Faith - part of the armor of God - will keep the believer’s heart and mind by quenching the fiery dart lie of the enemy that there will be no deliverance forthcoming. Remember the whole purpose of this ordeal...That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Same thing we heard Job say earlier..." when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Patience – will enable the believer to endure and wait patiently – even unto death – through imprisonment, torture, starvation, and death camps. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. The blood of the Lamb – what effect did the blood of the Passover lamb exert for the children of Israel? It caused the death angel to pass over their homes and strike only homes of the Egyptians who enslaved them. Since the Old Testament is written for an example to us, we can be confident the blood of the Lamb as applied to our souls will protect us from the plagues that ravage the earth as the wrath of God is poured out. Remember I Thessalonians 5:9 as it speaks about the Day of the Lord... “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation (deliverance) by our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are not appointed to God’s wrath, but we will be subjected to the wrath of the created angel Satan during this time. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation The word of our testimony – as stated earlier, you must have the word resident in your mind in order to stand upon it during the evil day. Trying to remember trendy sayings or speaking “Christianese” won’t cut it.Mark 13:11 states... But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Of course, if you have come along in church taught and believing the Holy Ghost is not for today, or personally rejected the infilling of it because you don’t want to be thought odd or too radical, jettison that belief right now, go to your prayer closet, repent, and ask God to fill you with His spirit. This is God’s standard method of equipping the believer with power and insight – this is the true power of God – not the staged “miracles” that can never be independently verified. This is the promised Comforter and "Power from on high" spoken of by Jesus to his disciples, the prophecy spoken by Joel to the people of God. This is how God equipped the disciples and other believers on the day of Pentecost – to the extent that they turned the world of their day upside down – and how is it that prideful man teaches today that it is no longer needed? Especially when our same world is moving ever closer to the time of the Great Tribulation? When faced with questions like this, instead of engaging in mindless arguments or choosing sides with various "teachers" and movements, just stop and ask yourself "Qui bono?" (Who benefits?) Who stands to gain the most from people who believe on Jesus but have failed to avail themselves of the fullest potential provisioned in the arsenal of God? The Kingdom of Heaven...or the kingdom of darkness? Understanding what Tribulation is... The Error of Assuming Job’s Affliction a result of “Lack of Faith” or “Fear” Word-Faith preachers are fond of teaching that the affliction of Job was brought on by “lack of faith”, or fear. The two proof texts used to support this line of thought are... 1) Romans 14:23 whatever is not from faith is sin 2) Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Shame on these people for teaching that Job sinned by succumbing to fear, when God called him “my servant”, righteous...eschewing evil? Can man reverse God’s decree about a thing or person??? If we will have eyes to see, the scripture plainly tells us what Job “greatly feared”. One fear is explicitly stated, the other is implied. And neither have to do with the loss of his wealth or family! Read Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. It is explicitly stated that Job feared God. Read again Job 1:4 and 1:5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. It is implied that Job feared his sons might have cursed God in their hearts. So concerned was Job about this possibility, that to avert any judgment of God upon his household, he took the initiative to offer sacrifice for their sin. This kind of thinking is what we would refer to as proactive today. So just what is the scenario the day Job’s children were killed? 1:18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 1:19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Here we can clearly see that as a matter of routine, Job would send and sanctify his sons after their feasting and drinking, in the event that they had cursed God. Now, with them dead, he could not send and sanctify them if they had spoken foolishly with their lips against God. If Job was acting on his implied fear, this “fear” was a godly reverence and a willingness to intercede unceasingly so that not even his family might bring offense to the holy and righteous God. Imagine the helplessness he must have felt! Now, suppose Job was acting on his explicit fear of God. Even though we know this fear was a worshipful reverence and not a cringing-type intimidation, Job was fully knowledgeable of God’s mighty power and fearsome judgments in the earth. The book named after him is chock full of examples of this knowledge, but I will list just a few for the sake of reference: Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars. Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea. Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him? An encounter with one’s Ultimate Judge is nothing to look forward to without the sure confidence of righteousness before God. Job maintained he had not sinned, and was righteous before God – but all indications seemed to prove otherwise. He must have wondered if there was something he had overlooked – he must have wracked his brain, leaving no stone unturned – searching for a reason why he had offended God to the extent to be dealt with thus. This type of reverent soul searching honors God, and should not be demeaned as fearful or unspiritual. The idea that severe affliction or testing in a fellow-believer's life is always a result of some sin of commission or omission is a grievous error that should be purged from the church. Why is this error so serious? Because if people can convince themselves that their brother or sister is in a bad situation through their own fault, it is easier to absolve themselves of "bearing one another's burdens, and thus fulfilling the law of Christ." It is easy to just shrug and walk away, justifying it by saying, "God is dealing with them - I shouldn't interfere." The church today has many things backwards, turned around, and upside down from what they should be. Job's example clearly shows us that individuals who are willing to sacrifice themselves to be the greatest asset to the Kingdom of God pose the greatest threat to Satan, and therefore will be targeted for greater persecution. Satan intends the suffering for evil and to cause pain, but God's purpose in it is always to further purify and take His child to a higher level -- as He chastens those He loves and scourges every son He receives. No wonder then, that the Apostle Paul exclaimed he would rather glory in tribulations! Christians who live carnally pose little threat to Satan's kingdom, and are actually an asset to it. Therefore, there is no urgency to launch a significant attack on them. And the saddest thing about it is that these Christians will go along thinking they are ultra blessed because they are not suffering or being persecuted. We need to go back to the New Testament Book of Acts and rediscover how the disciples rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. What to Expect During the Tribulation Wrath of Satan Against the Saints – Permission Granted by God! And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. Job 2:6-7 Job first suffers the loss of his wealth, sustenance and children. Then, he suffers loss of health and rejection from his spouse. The description of his physical condition is such that he loathes his own body. His friends are convinced he has sinned against God. Lastly, we find throughout reading the chapters that Job loses the respect of his community, and even becomes an object of mockery among disrespectful youth. The only thing Job has left is his integrity and faith in God. How will our testing as Tribulation saints compare to Job’s sufferings? Well, Revelation 16:2 teaches that loathsome sores are the lot of the wicked who receive the mark and worship the image of the beast. But, we can likewise expect loss of material possessions and betrayal. Above those, the Bible is very clear about the other types of suffering earmarked for the saints of God – experiences that if endured faithfully will purify the Church-Bride in anticipation of her upcoming union with the King-Groom. Satan was allowed to afflict Job, but was forbidden to kill him. Operating through the Beast of the Tribulation, Satan will be permitted to make war against the saints and overcome (kill) them. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Shootings, fire bombings, imprisonment in labor camps, and loss of sustenance by raiding with no legal recourse is to be expected. Again I stress, this is not the wrath of God. This is the persecution of the saints. Daniel 11: 33 Hebrews also paints a picture of the expected persecution... And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:36-38 Also the gospels: Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Matthew 24:9-10 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:9-13 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. Luke 21:12-17 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. John 16:1-3 Sham court trials, beatings, torture, traitorous family members and betrayals will be the rule, not the exception. Designation of terrorist, enemy combatant, hate crime perpetrator, or enemy of the state is likely. Ostracization, homelessness, exposure to the elements, and starvation is to be expected. Most professing Christians are not ready –mentally or physically – or willing - for this. But we must be ready and willing. Above all, you will not endure this without the infilling of the Holy Ghost and a comprehensive knowledge of the word of God. Enraged Dragon Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:12,17 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast... And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them... Revelation 13:4,7 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Daniel 7:25 Satan will use every means possible during his small window of opportunity to unleash his wrath on the inhabitants of the earth and to a greater degree, the people of God. Christians who shy away from this truth should realize there is no way around this on the Narrow Path, and commit our souls unto the Father, as a Faithful Creator. We will face the wrath of man – which does not work the righteousness of God. We will face the wrath of Satan. And look at the reason for his extreme rage!... because his time is running out!! Time is almost up for him to work the evil works he has perpetrated since the beginning – lying, deception, murder, affliction, bondage, and suffering. He has delighted in working these works among the children of men. Why so? What has man ever done to him? Man even agreed with him in the garden, right? The answer is simple...man is made in the image and likeness of the One Satan envies and hates, and man was created to praise that same Holy One. Male and female He created them, and it was the seed of the woman which brought forth the only Man who could defeat Satan and redeem mankind from Adam's transgression. An enraged, malevolent fallen angel working through wicked, hateful, God-rejecting people. That's a lot of anger. Three and a half years of it. That's a lot of persecution. BUT IT'S NOTHING COMPARED TO THE WRATH OF GOD Far eclipsing Satan's wrath against the people of God is the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. It is already abiding on the children of disobedience, and is so fierce when unleashed it is described as a consuming fire. The Day it is manifested is described as a day during which no man can stand. It is summed up in the seven vials, and in a huge winepress which results in incomprehensible bloodshed. This is not something the church is appointed to. Again I stress the ordeals of the Tribulation have to do with persecution, not God’s wrath. Integrity Under Extreme Persecution Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. Job 2:9-10 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:22 We will need a bridle on our tongue, as described in the Epistle of James. We will need to offer the sacrifice of praise in the midst of the fires of persecution...the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15 If we don't know what God is requiring from us now, or have permitted others to interpret that for us, we won't be able to stand in the evil day...because the saints who overcome are those who keep the commandments of God. To keep the commandment, you must first know the commandment! Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:22 Patience -- the very virtue Job is known best for, and remember how he said, "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips..."? All around you during the Tribulation you will hear cursing of God and blaspheming of Him, His Son, His Spirit, His Kingdom, His people, and all He stands for. And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Revelation 16-various selection of verses 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned Matthew 12:31-32, 37 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Proverbs 6:2 Resisting Accepting the Mark to Alleviate Deprivation and Persecution It would be one thing if all refusal of the mark meant was that you could not buy or sell. (This actually translates into any type of commercial transaction or contract.) Even without the ability to drive, be employed, or have access to funds, the saints might still find a way to community together and pool what meager resources they could scavenge. But there is a deeper component to this plot from hell than just economic control. This issue is about worship. Speaking of the False Prophet who works in tandem with the Beast, Revelation 13:15 informs us, "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." Whether people choose to take the mark or not, they will be expected to show their worship and allegiance to the Beast and its image. The law of the land will be that whoever fails to worship the beast and/or its image will be killed. Most likely, this will be the cause of the massive number of beheadings Revelation speaks of. This also means there will be some people who think they will be alright if they don't take the mark, as long as they give lip service to worshipping the Beast and/or its image, even though they inwardly detest the idea. That won't get them off the hook. God is looking for bold witnesses and people who "love not their lives unto the death." Satan will get his "five minutes of fame" where millions worship him, something he has always desired. Many will take his mark and worship his image in order to keep their jobs, fill their bellies, and enjoy a few comforts of life in the midst of a world in upheaval. He is a cruel taskmaster, and knowing his time is short, will alternate between deceiving those who reject the gospel, and persecuting and killing those who cleave to it. The Beast will exist to exercise unchallenged military might and societal control. This is to convince people that God is weak and powerless. This will be the proverbial jackboot on the neck of the earth's inhabitants. He has a upcoming appointment with Fire Lake, and his massive military resources are destined to be turned into bird food...Revelation 19:17-21 The False Prophet's purpose is to perform "lying wonders"... deceptive miracles that trick people into believing he has the real power of God. This is a spiritual jackboot on the neck of the people that keeps them in submission to the Beast. This unholy alliance between worship and military/civic power will create a deadly stranglehold on humanity, escapable only via repentance and submission to the true God, refusal to accept the mark, and most likely, martyrdom. The False Prophet is also on his way to Fire Lake. I Thessalonians 4:17 clearly teaches that all will not perish during the Tribulation, but the word remain as used in the verse translates to the idea of survival. So anyone who is fortunate enough to survive the harrowing oppression, deprivation, imprisonment...etc, will be caught up to meet up in the air with the dead in Christ, then, both groups will forever be with the Lord. Deadly Deceptiveness of the Mark Again, I stress the strong possibility of a ‘mark’ in the right hand or forehead involving a neural implant or other networking device that installs some sort of programming whereby the recipient has no other choice but to curse God. The technology for this has already been developed (just do a Google search on Ray Kurzweil and neural implants.) The ultimate Orwellian nightmare of having ones’ thoughts laid bare and subject to control from an outside entity may be scoffed at, but after decades of Star Trek and blockbuster movies featuring the exact same manipulation of mental processes, why would anyone scoff? Often the danger is in plain sight, so obvious that it is overlooked. There is a reason the word of God warns us to “Keep (protect) thy heart (mind) with all diligence. Do not take the mark for any reason, not even seemingly legitimate or altruistic reasons like food for your children or buying medication for an elderly parent. Remember Jesus taught that whoever loves anyone or anything in this world more than Him is not worthy of Him. Setting the Example of Patience Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job James 5:7-8, 11 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.Revelation 13:10-11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:11-12 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Revelation 3:10-11 Brethren, we have our marching orders. We are called to patience during persecution. God’s Fairness Revealed in His Plan for the Household of Faith And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. I Peter 4:12-13 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:3-4 Please listen closely to this. This word “perfect” speaks to completion, as in satisfying the requirements. Hebrews 11:39-40 teaches us that the old Testament saints (like Job) can not be made complete without us! In spite of all their faithfulness during suffering and affliction, they cannot realize the perfection of their place in the Kingdom of God without us. But both Peter and James make clear that trial by fire, and patience through it, is the only way we can be perfected. We can’t reach the state of perfection God requires until we patiently submit to suffering and persecution, and the Old Testament saints cannot be perfect until the church has been perfected. What do you think God is going to do about this? Do you think this is a dilemma for Him? The answer is a matter of simple logic. God is going to take His church through the purifying fires of persecution. When she emerges, she will be purged, and without spot or wrinkle. Then both the Old and New Testament saints will unite to form the perfected Body and Bride of Christ. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 Hope of the Revealing of Christ-Saints Faithful Unto Death I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Job 42:5 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Corinthians 13:12 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him Job 13:15 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Job 19:25-27 Job knew by faith that he would obtain a resurrected body and see God at the Last Day. As tribulation saints, we will also have to hold to that conviction. Either we believe it or we don't. Memorize the scriptures now, while there is still time. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! Job Restored, Intercedes as a Priest/Saints as Kings and Priests Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends Job 42:8-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:9-10 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; I Peter 2:5,9 BLESSING, ABUNDANCE, PEACE AND GREAT JOY...FOREVER!!! And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. Job 42:10,12 The restoration of Job's health and wealth is a type of the richness and abundance, peace and plenty characteristic of the Kingdom of God physically resident on earth. The Old Testament could only provide types and shadows. The actual extent of the blessing for the people of God is impossible to articulate or illustrate. Stop listening to the phony, lying merchandiser preachers - the "profits for hire" that tell you "you're entitled" and God wants you to have the best this world can offer. They are high rollers because so many with itching ears have (literally) bought into their falsehoods - they are afraid to preach hard truth like this that will prepare you for dark days ahead - people would desert their ministries like rats from a sinking ship and go somewhere else where someone is preaching prosperity! Jesus told you to be prepared to sell everything you have and follow Him! Now I realize most of you are probably not rich young male rulers with no serious ties, but at least you can take to heart his admonition to "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness"? Focus on that and let God add everything else for you that you need. Do you not think our Faithful Creator knew what He was talking about when he said it was harder for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle? Money is a tool - use it and use it wisely for the Kingdom of God. But riches can be a snare. This is because so much of the successful walk with God is contingent upon being utterly dependent on Him from day to day. This takes faith - something you have to have to please God. And, godliness with contentment is great gain. God will restore everything we have lost, had stolen, or forfeited to follow Him!! And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Matthew 19:29 God will remove the painful memories of humiliation, torture, deprivation, and death. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: Revelation 21:14,22:3 A Few Extra Things Revealed By the Spirit Confirming the Story of Job is a Type of the Tribulation to Come Numbers figure significantly all throughout the holy scriptures, many times evidenced in patterns. An easy example is the comparison of 12 tribes of Israel and 12 disciples of Jesus. The number 42 is often tied to testing or judgment, or both. For instance, in II Kings, when youths mocked the prophet Elisha, two she-bears emerged from the woods and mauled 42 of them. Elijah prayed against the idolatry of Israel and the heavens were shut up and gave no rain for 3 1/2 years (42 months.) Each of Job's three friends were commanded to bring 7 bullocks and 7 sheep for sacrifice. That is a total of 14 animals x 3, or 42 in all to satisfy God's requirement. Then the suffering of Job ended immediately - God turned his captivity as soon as he prayed for his friends. Just as the suffering of the saints will end immediately at the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Book of Job itself contains 42 chapters. The prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation both clearly state that the period of Tribulation and reign of the Beast is 42 months (not 7 years as the "prophecy" teachers like to teach. Daniel refers to the time frame as "time, times, and an half;" and "time and times and the dividing of time". Revelation states 42 months - which is 3 1/2 years - time - 1 year, times - 2 years, and an half - 6 months. This is the same 42 months spoken of in Revelation 11:2, and is synchronous with the 1,260 days mentioned in Revelation 11:3 and 12:6. Lastly, a look a Romans 8:35 provides some additional insight... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? This verse focuses on the security we have knowing that literally nothing we suffer can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. But there is yet a another treasure in this verse - a view of the types and order of suffering which will be encountered by the saints in the last days. And it is not by accident that the Apostle Paul has presented the list in this order - but he spoke as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. There are 7 types of suffering listed. Seven in the word of God alludes to perfection or completeness. The first three, tribulation, distress, and persecution, are things we should be or are currently experiencing in our day to day walk with the Lord. If you profess to be a follower of Christ, and you are reading this and you have not been experiencing tribulation, distress, and persecution, I strongly urge you to seek God to bring some into your life! This is because the first three experienced now prepare us to endure the last four which will be the norm during the Great Tribulation - famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. Now, 6 is the biblical number of man. And there are 7 diverse types of suffering we have received advance warning from the Holy Ghost to be prepared to encounter. (Believe me, the Holy Ghost would not have had Paul write that to the church if there was not a certainty that it would come to pass!!) So, multiplying 6 x 7 = 42 - we have a clear picture of what God feels it will take to purify the Bride and present her faultless before His presence with exceeding joy. To recap: Man___________________________________6 Testing of man unto divine approval_______7 x Completion of testing ___________________42 * * * * * Points For Meditation and Action Intercessory prayer from you as a priest over your household cannot be over emphasized. We never know when we are being held up as an example to the principalities and powers in the heavenlies. So when we suffer, we need to assume Job’s outlook and commit our souls unto God, as unto a Faithful Creator. Prepare to walk alone (as far as man is concerned). When you suffer, man will speculate, postulate, and evaluate – but as it was in Job’s case, the only ones who really knew what was going on were those in the spiritual realm. Be willing to give up earthly goods and position, and at some point, to walk away from all of it. A man's life consists not in the abundance of things he possesses. Furthermore, the works of the earth are destined for incineration, and the only things that will remain are the righteous works of the Spirit which cannot be shaken and have passed the test of the Consuming Fire. Satan’s greatest desire (other than to usurp God’s throne) is for man to curse God due to either misfortune or an unbridled tongue, and in the extreme case, to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. Satan knows that is the sin for which there is no forgiveness. Walk in forgiveness towards those who malign, misunderstand or otherwise fail to see the big picture as they observe your suffering. Jesus taught that forgiveness of our trespasses is directly contingent upon our willingness to forgive each other. As relates to this story, note that God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends. Patience, holy boldness, and unswerving faith in God are the hallmarks of a saint who overcomes during the Tribulation. May God bless each of you in the reading of this study, and give you eyes to see and ears to hear what His Spirit is saying to the church. Trenet Worlds |
Middle English tribulacioun, from Old French tribulacion, from Latin trībulātiō, trībulātiōn-, from trībulātus, past participle of trībulāre, to oppress, from Latin trībulum, threshing-sledge.] SYNONYMS trial, affliction, crucible, ordeal, tribulation. These nouns denote distress or suffering that severely tests resiliency and character: no consolation in their hour of trial; the affliction of a bereaved family; the crucible of revolution; the ordeal of being an innocent murder suspect; a time of relentless tribulation. |
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