Discerning eyes can see the clouds gathering
The night is coming, faster and closer daily
It will not be long before the test emerges
And the fearful will claim, “I know Him not!”
But those who are strong shall stand though
They lose their all for the sake of His Name.
The weather is changing faster than we would want it to. We are coming into the season where it is becoming increasingly offensive to speak of or live the faith. The world grows darker as it turns against God and godliness and those who bear the name of the Lord are becoming targets. How I wish we could be comforted by, “Don’t worry, be happy, it will get better.” Those who know the truth know that it only gets darker from here. Not long from now, it will become an offense to speak the Word of God.
The closest comparison I can recall was the last days of Jesus. While He was alive and on top of His game, His disciples were at their best. They reveled in the signs and wonders that followed everywhere they went. Their numbers increased and it was cool to be associated with the Great Miracle Worker. Then tides turned and night came. Jesus was no longer the expected Messiah who would throw out the Roman empire and restore the kingdom to Israel. In fact, He became a threat that should be sacrificed to save the nation. Thus the cloud gathered and darkness descended.
It was not long before the envied disciples who swore they will stand by Him and die for him all ran away, deserting the Christ. The few that tagged along put safe distance between them and Jesus so that nobody and nothing will connect them together. Unfortunately, a couple of people smelled out a disciple and without thinking twice, he denied he ever had anything to do with that man. Yes, the simple denial ended up aggressive, garnished with curses and probably would have continued until the cock crowed again and the prophecy came to mind, “Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.’” Mark 14:30 (NIV).
Once again, we are approaching deeper darkness when it will no longer be cool or even safe to be a disciple of Jesus. May this be a reminder to us: to grow in grace because it is only those who are strong in Him that will be able to stand, do exploits and get away with what will consume others. If Peter denied him then, it will not be surprising that many still will. Yet, if ever you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t ever forget that even though we deny Him, He is faithful and just to forgive, cleanse and accept us back into the fold. To those that have ears to hear: night is approaching fast, get ready to declare Him Lord of all or you will deny Him. God help us.
Blessings
Glory!