“It would be easy to think that somebody up there has got a grudge against us!” (Queensland Premier Anna Bligh) Ah, now you’re getting it!
We have seen the mighty acts of God being displayed in Australia. The media, and our leaders have repeatedly ascribed credit to Mother Nature for these things; but God will not be mocked. For all the power of these events that we have seen, nothing is more obvious than the display of God’s mercy. These events had the potential to inflict massive fatalities, however, given the widespread destruction, there has been relatively minimal loss of life. God is showing his hand to Australia and giving the nation opportunity to repent and return to Him. Make no mistake, Australia is the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, and we are seeing Him do a work in His land.
Australia has seen floods, cyclones, fires, and now…MORE flooding and fires! We can be sure that the Lord is passing by;
“11…And behold, the Lord passed by and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:12-13
May we be watching and listening for that still small voice of the Lord.
“Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Malachi 4:5
“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.’”
“1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” Matthew 3:1-2
Many Christians believe that prior to the Lord’s final return, the Spirit of Elijah will be manifest. In a recently completed study of this prophet, God’s Word offers a clear view of the heart of this humble man of God. Whether you believe that the Spirit of Elijah, or Elijah the man will return, one should know Elijah’s message. What will be the message prior to the Lord’s return? It will be the same. Really, it has always been the same.
“And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.” 1 Kings 18:21
Elijah was a man who openly declared the goodness and mercy of God, however, he also spoke the words of God’s judgment. There are many instances in the books of the Kings when Elijah pronounced God’s judgment; the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18); Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21); Ahaziah (2 Kings 1). It is my hope that Australia does not “answer Him not a word” when God has given us this opportunity to return to Him. Throughout the Bible when we see the mighty works of God displayed, His judgment is sure to follow.
In our home meeting, we are working our way through the Book of Acts. Last night we read the passage in which Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and were struck dead. (Acts 5:1-11) The discussion which followed brought up an important observation. When the Holy Spirit is poured out in such a measure, power follows. It is clear from this passage that God does not tolerate hypocrisy and the Holy Spirit power is strong in judgment against it! We often think of walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, of miracles and wonders such are mentioned in early church scriptures, but we must also remember, it is a power that can and will be deadly!
There is a message in the current acts of God that we are seeing here in Australia and around the world, and that message is simple; “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” For all the mighty power displayed, may we not miss His still small voice leading and calling those who are His to The Way. I believe that we are in the final hours. People get ready!
“In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.” Matthew 24:33 (NLT)
“PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD” Isaiah 40:3
February 15, 2011 at 4:29 am
Good afternoon. (even though you are presently in the wee hours of tomorrow) two observations stood out as I read this. The first is the incredible mercy of God. Even in the midst of catastrophes, the fact that there has been little loss of life is incredible. When we consider that he holds in his hand the breath of all, this is awesome and gives testimony of a Creator who is not willing that any should perish.
The second involves the truth surrounding the power of God. Hypocricy doesn’t fare well in the presence of the Lord as Annas and Sapphira discovered. Recently I heard pastor Langford (I think that’s who it was) discuss a meeting where he was to preach. The congregation was singing “Send down the power Lord, send down the power.” The Lord told Pastor Langford “tell them to stop singing that. If I sent down my power, half of them would be dead.”
To walk humbly before the Lord while continually examining ourselves is imperative. Thank you for these two reminders. Blessings always in Jesus name.
timbob
February 15, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Hi Timbob
I was reading the first chapter of Luke this afternoon and the 17th verse makes clear the purpose of current events:
“He (John) will also go before Him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
May we all be prepared for the Lord and His coming!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings to you and your household.
March 12, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Hello again. I’m writing this about 24 hours after the earthquake that hit the northeast coast of Japan. This is astonishing and there’s now the possibility of a meltdown at one of the affected nuclear power plants. It’s time to be close to Jesus and to pray fervently concerning this situation.
Blessings always in Jesus name.
March 19, 2011 at 12:54 pm
I too feel the end upon us … and after judgment in Revelation is the bride joining her Bridgegroom. In the end, the new Jerusalem comes, the true temple of God.. and we are that temple. As judgment comes upon us — so does God’s spirit uniting to His bride; and I feel that ever drawing near of our dear Lord.
Rachel
March 19, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Hi Timbob
As the world faces one crisis after another it is obvious that our only hope lies in the Lord. As nation after nation is affected, we can only cry out to God for the hearts of these people to be melted by the Holy Spirit. Now is the time for the intercessors to raise their voices on behalf of these nations…and the whole world.
Thanks for stopping by.
March 19, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Hi Rachel
As these things unfold before our eyes, the Holy Spirit bear witness of the hand of God in all these things. We are seeing the fulfillment of prophecy declared so long ago, given so that we might have complete faith in what the Lord says in His Word. Drawing near to God at this time is met with the Lord drawing near to us, and there is no substitute for the joy of His presence.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Blessings to you