Tag: cloud
The hour to reap has come!
Scripture reading for December 19th: Revelation 14, Psalm 102, Ecclesiastes 4
Revelation 14: 14-19 “Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud One like a Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to Him Who sat on the cloud, “Put in Your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” So He Who sat on the cloud swung His sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. And another angel came from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.”
There is an appointed time for everything under the sun! Solomon wrote this in Ecclesiastes 3:1 and John had the privilege of observing the end from the beginning as in heaven he was shown the vision of Jesus Christ, Son of Man, reaping the harvest of the earth. The wheat will be gathered into His barn, Father’s House, and given eternal life. The wicked will be gathered and thrown into the winepress of the wrath of God, His eternal hatred of sin and evil. The King of Kings will be enthroned forever and rule in righteousness and truth. He will show mercy to those who by faith have trusted in Jesus Christ but He will judge those still living for themselves. The Son of Man awaits the command to bring in the harvest!
Psalm 102:12-13 “But You, O Lord, are enthroned forever; You are remembered throughout all generations. You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ, Son of Man! Thank You for appointing the time for everything under the sun and for setting the boundaries of each life, even before the world began. Help me to be content in quiet rest in Jesus Christ. Use me today to share the Good News of the salvation offered through the Son of Man. May none perish in the winepress of God’s holy wrath at the harvest.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.”
Rejoicing in the Spirit!
Scripture reading for April 6th: 1st Kings 20-22; 2nd Kings 1-2
Key Scriptures: 2nd Kings 2:9-11 “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me have a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours–otherwise not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”
Elijah’s work on earth was nearly over and his time of departure was at hand. His successor was asked what one thing he could do for him. A double portion of the Spirit was Elisha’s desire! Seeing the ascension of Elijah was the condition for this special gift! Beholding a chariot of fire and whirlwind, Elisha got his heart’s desire!
Rejoicing in the Spirit: Jesus Christ promised His followers the Father’s gift and they watched Him ascend to heaven! “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” (Acts 1:8-9)
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Taken Up Into Heaven!
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ! Another week has passed so quickly and the first day celebration is upon us! We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on the first day of the week. It is something to celebrate because without Jesus’ resurrection, we would have no guarantee of resurrection. He is the first to be permanently resurrected from death and the grave. Elijah was picked up by a chariot and Enoch was taken up living as he walked with the Lord. Please join others in worship, prayer, and study of the Scriptures this celebration day!
As I look back on this past week, I want to comment on Jesus’ ascension to heaven as recorded by Luke. Jesus led his followers out to Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as well as Simon the Leper. He lifted up His hands and blessed them. As He was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-52) In Acts, Luke records Jesus’ answer to the disciples question about if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus told His followers to wait in Jerusalem until they received power to be witnesses in Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts1:6-11) A cloud hid Jesus from their sight as He ascended to heaven. Luke records two men in white apparel who told them that Jesus would return in the same manner as he went into heaven.
These records of the ascension bring hope to us. Jesus left His followers with a clear command and mission. He encouraged them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised gift of power. He also informed them that He would be back, but did not leave a date or time. He did this so that every generation would seek to be ready. We know God’s word is true and Jesus did not lie. He is waiting for all who will be saved by the obedience of His followers. He is watching us exercise our faith and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. What an exciting mission! What amazing power in the Holy Spirit! What hope we have of Jesus return! It could be today!
In His Love,
Pastor John