“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel…”
Acts 2:16
The spiritual man responds to the events taking place in the world around him as Peter did on the day of Pentecost–he views his experience through the lens of the word of God. Some beheld these miracles on this day with amazement while others mocked, but Peter simply said that these things were happening just like God said they would. Do we experience life with the same steadfastness, or are we easily shaken by the news in our land? Do the events of the day present opportunities for us to share the word of God, or do we stand dumbfounded like everyone else? If our gaze is fixed on Christ, we’ll find that in that hour we’ll have an answer when everyone else is speechless.
In Paul’s day, many in the church in Thessalonica were disturbed by the suggestion of some that Christ had already returned and they had missed it! Paul rebukes the church there by basically stating they should know better. Just listen to 2 Th 2:1-3: “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…” The rebuke comes in v. 5: “Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?” Remember what you’ve been taught, Christian! To remember, you’re going to have to maintain a Christ-consciousness, not a world-centered one.
Jesus has told us what to expect ahead of time so that we might not fear but instead be strengthened in our faith:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you. ’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” (Jn 14:27-29)
I understand that the context of this passage is that Jesus is leaving and sending the Spirit, but the principle is a common one in the life of the believer. God reveals the truth to us, giving us discernment by His Spirit, so that we might be able to faithfully declare His word as history unfolds. Remember, “you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 Jn 2:20) You have the Spirit of God in you, and He will reveal what God is doing in the earth if you are listening! “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Am 3:7)
You say, “I don’t know how to respond if someone asks me about this thing.” That’s ok! It’s not your job to know what to say. That’s God’s job! “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Mt 10:19-20) Our job is simply to remain faithful. God will take care of the rest. You are His special treasure. He will deal with His church in a unique fashion, giving them the grace they need for each hour! “Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see…'” (Lk 10:23)
Jamie
