Saturday, November 4, 2017

eschatology, There is Victory (Prov.21)

Proverbs is a book about wisdom: WISDOM IS the fear of the Lord - loving God's words - being obedient!  But let's just cut to the chase, these two verses found in Proverbs tells us (in context with everything else) how it's all going to end...

(Proverbs 21: 29-31)  A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.  30 There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord.  31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.

Wow!  So today's read is short and straight to the point.  We know the ending!  Since the beginning of Satan's fall, he has been working nonstop to get mankind on his side in order to deny, defy, challenge and fight God and His children.  These verses are applicable all the time, but there are a few very specific events:

The LAST BATTLE: which happens at the end of the Millennium.

The BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON: which happens at the end of the Tribulation.

The CRUCIFIXION: which happened when mankind thought they could kill God, but Jesus rose again after three days and had the victory over death and sin, giving us the victory in Him when we believe!

And THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE: which is happening all the time.  (We could go through the Bible and find a long list of examples, but we also need to realize that this battle is still happening right now.)

Today's takeaway:  if you don't think we are in a battle, then you've already lost.  Be on God's side - and you WILL win.  Wisdom is being on God's side!!!  So HOW are we to "fight"?  It's very simple, allow God to do the fighting for us (once I'm finished this Bible read-through on eschatology, I'm thinking the next topic with be on spiritual warfare)...

(Ephesians 6:10-18)  Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints

No comments: