This is ‘re-tweeted’ with thanks from Emmaus Group. Section headers by Christian Comment
Assumptions
Many assume the word tribulation in the bible speaks of violence and persecution against the church, which is very likely, but there is a deeper meaning you must understand, one which you are seeing now with your own eyes.
To understand, one must go to the Greek. The word John uses, for example in Revelation 7:14 about the Great Tribulation, is thlipsis. This word describes the following:
External pressure created by circumstances – such as rising hatred and restrictions on Christian freedom, being forced to take the mark or be de-banked and ostracised by society, friends and family turning against you.
Feeling hemmed in with no way out/escape – you have to accept what the world mandates or lose your life as it is now.
Internal pressure – emotional and psychological pressure to comply with the world system or suffer the consequences.
Pressure that causes friction – within society, communities and families (incl: church) as the ways of God conflict with the ways of the world around you.
A narrow place that hems you in – the same word is used for the narrow gate to eternal life. Its a narrow and difficult path to the kingdom of God.
Feeling restricted without options – being forced to accept something you don’t like or compromise, go with the crowd.
Squeezing
Perhaps you can identify with some of these phrases? This is tribulation.
In the period known as the ‘Great Tribulation’ all the above increase in intensity, the squeezing pressure increases to force people to yield and comply with Satan’s plans – which if we do – will result in eternal death. Don’t let society, people, need for money or government demands steal your crown of glory when you are so close to the finish line dear friends.
The word thlipsis is rooted in another Greek word thlibo. This means to squeeze or persecute, as in squeezing a toothpaste tube to force the contents out into the open! Christians are about to be forced to nail their colours to the mast. Changes and new laws will require God’s people to choose between life or death, blessing or curse, truth or lie, to obey God or yield to man and the works of Satan.
And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever and they have no rest, day or night, these worshippers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name – Revelation 14:11
Choices to be made
If you consider what is taking place now, this process has already begun. Christians are being squeezed to either conform and compromise, or be ostracised and hated for choosing the way of God rather than Man. This is tribulation and it has begun in earnest. If you remain faithful to your Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ you will be hated and vilified by people whose views and opinions are empowered by governments who now deem true Christianity as a threat to so called democratic society – however, your eternal inheritance will be waiting where moth or rust cannot destroy! The choice is hard, but simple: short term pain and discomfort for a few years, or loss of eternity with Christ.
We have recently witnessed how countries, previously considered western and ‘democratic’, can change almost overnight. Things that would have been unthinkable even six months ago, have happened. We have observed how once godly nations have rejected God in favour of other ‘gods’ who are not gods, and are and will continue to, invoke the wrath of God for their apostasy and unfaithfulness.
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)
Deception
Our closing comment echoes our recent one, do not be deceived. Do not believe those who say you shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place. For these prophets prophesy lies in the Lord’s name, prophesying lying visions, worthless divination and the deceit of their own minds. God has not sent them – Jeremiah 14.
A prayer
Heavenly Father, as this world decays, descending into evil and chaos, we seek your mercy and forgiveness for our sins. Father we all have sinned and fallen short, we have sinned against you in our thoughts, our words and our deeds, in the good we have not done and the evil we have. Father have mercy on us. Forgive us as we purpose in our hearts to forgive those who have hurt and betrayed us. Help us to love our enemies in the days ahead. Help us to be a light in the darkness. Strengthen us we ask through your spirit and fill us with your shalom in extra portions to carry us through the storms that lay ahead. Father, we pray for the protection of all who call upon your name, protect them and their family members, may they all be covered in the sanctifying blood of Christ and keep them from evil. May the promises in Psalm 91 be fulfilled to your glory. Be our fortress and strength and shield as we wait patiently and endure what is to come, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
May God be with you. Emmaus Group.
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