Fulfilled without delay

Fulfilled without delay

Scripture: But I the LORD will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign LORD.’” Ezekiel 12:25

Observation: In Ezekiel’s early ministry to the people to Israel, he was often scorned and people were typically of the opinion that the prophesied judgment was far away, unlikely to be in their lifetimes. They ridiculed Ezekiel, saying “the days go by and every vision comes to nothing” and “the visions he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.” However, the Lord was quick to correct them and tell them that there would be no more delay, and all He said through Ezekiel would be fulfilled.

Today, in the last days, despite the signs that are taking place, many people still do not believe that the end is coming soon. Yet, the escalating numbers of earthquakes and natural disasters around the world is God’s warning to mankind to repent and turn from their rebellion. God has spoken through His Word, and we would do well to study it and pray for wisdom. He has spoken at length through the Gospels and the books of Daniel and Revelation about the things that will happen and the coming wrath upon the world.

Many of us shun end time learning because of fear, but if we are not prepared, we will be caught in surprise. Personally, I am deeply concerned by the Pre-tribulation teaching which teaches that Christians will be raptured before the Great Tribulation when the Anti-Christ comes upon the earth. For the rapture to be such an important event, it must have been mentioned clearly by the Lord in His teaching about the end times in Matthew 24. Instead, referring to His disciples, He told them that they would be persecuted and hated by all nations because of Him and went on to talk about the coming of the Anti-Christ, the abomination of desolation. After that only was His coming in the skies and the gathering of the elect.

Imagine if you had hoped to be “raptured” before the persecution starts, but find yourself still on earth. Deep disappointment would fill you and you would not be prepared to stand up for your faith. Speaking against pre-tribulationism may not be popular, but it is the truth that matters.

Application: Examine our hearts often to see if there are any rebellious ways in us. Ask God to give us a soft heart towards Him, that listens to His Spirit, and loves the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the end times prayerfully, and prepare ourselves for the coming days.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You that You are great and sovereign, and You will fulfill all Your words according to Your perfect time. Have mercy on us, dear Lord, and prepare us for the coming days. Help us in the day of trouble we pray, and enable us to be able to stand before You. In Jesus name, Amen.