Watching And Waiting :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: December 31, 2022 by RR10

Once Christmas becomes a happy memory, what do you do? Do you go to the store and exchange your gifts for something that fits better or is a better color? Do you play with all the fun new gadgets you received from loved ones? We all have traditions, but on that first Christmas, a young mother was simply caring for her baby… the Son of God.

There were certain things that had to be done in order to fulfill Jewish Law. Even though Jesus was God incarnate, He had put aside His deity in order to be a kinsman to the humans He created. He was born under very humble conditions to a very normal mother and stepfather who followed the Law precisely. After all, Jesus became human to be our Kinsman Redeemer, and He wouldn’t allow Himself to be above the Law. There were different requirements for male babies than for female. God knows there is a difference and that gender isn’t a choice, nor is it “fluid.”

God told Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days: according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled” (Leviticus 12:2-4). This was the Law when a son was born.

Joseph and Mary were obedient to the Law and did all that was required. “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).

When Mary was visited by Gabriel and told she was chosen to give birth to the Son of God, he also told her to name Him Jesus. This is the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation.” The name is important because that’s descriptive of why He was born. Salvation is only found in Him, and by faith, we are saved by His grace.

The next big event took place when Mary’s days of purification were accomplished. “And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord)” (Luke 2:22-23).

Children are important to God. They are to be loved and nurtured. When God chose Mary to give birth to His Son, He knew that she would be faithful to the Law and love and nurture Jesus. Joseph, too, was a special man who would make sure the Law was followed. This is the example of a Godly family. A father who leads his family in the ways of the Lord, a mother who humbly submits to her husband, and both parents are God-honoring examples to their children.

The reason they were in the Temple that day was to present Jesus to the Lord. “And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24). The Law required a sacrifice. “And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her: and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female” (Leviticus 12:6-7).

You see, not only was the child to be presented to God, but the mother had to be cleansed. Mary wasn’t perfect, nor was she above the Law. She was required to fulfill her responsibility. There was more required of her. “And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean” (Leviticus 12:8).

These offerings were for cleansing of her sins. Gabriel had greeted her, saying that she was highly favored and blessed among women (Luke 1:28). He didn’t say she was perfect and without sin. She needed salvation as much as anybody. We know from reading the account in Luke chapter 2 that she brought a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. She didn’t have a lamb to sacrifice… or did she? She brought with her the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. Jesus.

It would seem logical that the priests of the Temple, who very religiously served God, would have recognized that it was their Messiah who was being presented to them that day. After all, not many days before, there had been angels proclaiming the birth of the King of kings to a group of shepherds. Those shepherds probably herded sheep to be used as sacrifices at the Temple. It would be reasonable that the priests would have heard about what the shepherds had seen and heard.

Much like today, the religious leaders weren’t watching and waiting for their Messiah. They knew that one day He would appear, but surely He would be a man of war who would save them from the oppression of the Romans. They weren’t looking for a baby born in a manger. They just didn’t believe prophecy, nor did they understand that there would be two comings of the same Messiah. The first would be a man of peace who would teach humility and love. An example for all to follow. The second coming will be when He destroys Satan, the true enemy of all mankind, and establishes His Eternal Kingdom.

Many people today are blind to the truth and deny that prophecy is quickly being fulfilled and that the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord, will return with power and might. Some of us today do understand that Christ will call us Home soon, then fight the final battle, defeating Satan and his minions. Many people are willingly ignorant. “Knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant…” (2 Peter 3:3-5a). God’s word is truth, and prophecy will be fulfilled.

Today, there are many of us who do believe God and are looking for our Lord to call us Home. There were some long ago who also were looking for the Messiah. When Mary was on her way to fulfill her duty under the Law, she encountered two people who were not blinded by religious rites and those who wanted to control people. They believed God. “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him” (Luke 2:25).

Simeon was a special man. I’d like to be described as “just and devout.” The Holy Spirit wasn’t something new that appeared on the Day of Pentecost. The difference is that after Pentecost, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Simeon had the Holy Ghost upon him. It’s the same Spirit, whether before or after the cross, who will lead a person to a close walk with the Lord. So, it was with Simeon.

“And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:26-32).

That’s quite a statement. Simeon, being led by the Holy Spirit, took joy in knowing that Jesus came to the nation of Israel and also to Gentiles, an unusual statement by a Jewish man but a statement inspired by the Holy Spirit. A Pharisee or priest would never make such a statement. We can learn more from Simeon than we know. He was content to die, having seen his Saviour with his own eyes. Until we come to salvation through Jesus Christ, we cannot die in peace. Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will bring eternal life.

Simeon lived prior to the cross but had been looking forward to the Messiah. Simeon also spoke a prophecy to Mary. “And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35). The day would come when Mary would be devastated as she watched her Son being crucified and pierced with a sword.

Simeon wasn’t the only one that day who recognized Jesus. “And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36-37).

It seems as if the only ones who understood who this Child was were the ones who walked closest to God. If you are upset because you don’t know where God is leading you, or you think He doesn’t speak to you, maybe you should study Simeon and Anna and learn their ways. “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Once she found Jesus, she couldn’t keep Him to herself. She told everyone.

This was a short study about people who were greatly blessed by walking close to God, believing His word, and patiently watching and waiting for His promise. Many people today call themselves Christians but have no idea what that means. At one time, my husband thought he was a Christian because he lived in the United States. Then he met Jesus. What a revelation that was to Ron! Like the shepherds who were told by angels to go find the Child in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, they couldn’t keep their discovery quiet, and they shared what they had found. Ron couldn’t keep his joy to himself but shared the Good News. Simeon and Anna had been watching and waiting for many years, and because they lived close to God, they recognized their Redeemer when they met Him.

What about you? Do you desire to find Salvation? If you’ve met Jesus, do you share with others? We need to because if you study Scripture and walk close to the Lord, you know that Jesus is about to call born-again believers Home. We all need to be watching and waiting for that call, but we need to share the Gospel with everyone we know. The Rapture will happen soon.

The Apostle John was given the revelation of the end of days but was shown that before the Tribulation, Christians will be called Home. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:1-2).

I’m watching and waiting; how about you? Until then, I’m walking as close to God as I can. How about you?

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.rapture ready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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The Hard Truth – By Steve Schmutzer

Published on: December 31, 2022 by RR10

I have little idea where this post is going to go. I guess I’m partly writing it as a personal catharsis, and so I advise you – I’m not feeling warm and fuzzy.

I’m not a gambler, but if you asked me to pick up the dice and roll ’em, I’m going to tell you America is done. No single issue prompts me to say that, but rather many of them.

America is hurtling down a steep one-way road with no U-Turn on the map. It is experiencing a comprehensive and catastrophic moral collapse. Read Romans 1:18-32. It’s basically today’s news, and it makes one point clear: America is so far gone that it’s already experiencing the wrath of God. It is done.

I don’t see any valid “if’s” on this issue anymore. The most qualified questions are those that responsibly weigh the “when’s” and “how’s.” America is now marinated in lies and depravities of the sort that – not long ago – used to cower in the closet and carefully pick their disguises before daring to crack the door.

Not anymore.

Patently obvious deceptions now proudly parade in the public forums. Intentional fraud is welcomed at every level of our governing structures. Myriad efforts are being expended to ruin anyone or anything that speaks the truth or shows the facts. Many millions of dollars are spent on marketing, policy, and PR campaigns to advance exactly the sort of corruption, evil, injustice, and debauchery that God routinely – and forcefully! – judged in the Scriptures.

We live in a time where the agendas of depopulation, immorality, lawlessness, intolerance, and tyranny are celebrated – while efforts to support virtue, common sense, law and order, free speech, and personal responsibility are ridiculed. Children have become a key target in all of this. They are the victims of every vile form of wickedness imaginable, and legislation is even being proposed to legitimize these evils.

This nation’s descent is breathtaking to see. We’re rocketing so quickly into a sticky morass of wickedness that you can almost hear the sonic boom.

It doesn’t help that so much of our nation’s population is woefully uninformed – – and it helps even less that they choose to stay that way. There is a vast swath of our society that refuses to spend one calorie of energy to study the truth and confront their ignorance. It’s so much easier for them to attack the facts instead.

It’s that ‘safety in numbers’ thing that seduces them to float downstream with the dead fish – – to hurl themselves off the cliff with the rest of the ignorant lemmings.

But the gravity of this situation is so in-your-face that it’s now impossible to overlook. One must WANT to not see it for what it really is.

Honestly, I expect this sort of foolishness from those who have rejected God. Romans 1:28 makes the case that those who have done this end up with minds that don’t work like they’re supposed to. They’re as dumb as a frying pan. There’s a direct connection between their consecutive choices and their constant idiocy.

So again – I expect such darkened people to do precisely what they’re not supposed to do. I expect them to reject common sense laws and values that find their source in God’s divinely inspired Word. I expect this from the masses that want nothing to do with a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Their whole motive is to energetically go in the opposite direction instead – no matter the consequences to themselves or to others, or their self-evident displays of ridiculousness.

Perhaps that’s why this entire situation gives me another very specific discomfiture. Maybe it’s why I’m saying all these things in the first place – because the bigger picture is even worse.

You see, this whole problem extends well beyond that group we typically expect to applaud fraudulent elections, promote fabricated ‘science,’ or support foolish laws. This problem is much bigger than the bunch who cuts off their genitals, wears masks while driving alone, waves rainbow flags, conceals their violence under black hoodies, touts BLM, or sets up filthy communes in public places.

Here’s the hard truth. There are plenty in the church who have already made it clear they identify more with the postures of those who show they have rejected God than they do with anyone who diligently seeks to be in a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

I’ve heard pastors foolishly claim wearing a mask is a sign of worship. I’ve heard other pastors chide their congregants for wanting secure borders, for supporting responsible conservative values, and for not accepting plainly fraudulent ‘medical science.’ I’ve had conversations with church leaders who vigorously support the ‘Palestinian cause’ and a ‘two-state solution’ over all clear Biblical instructions to the contrary.

I’m just scratching the surface of all the ways I’ve seen church leaders lose their moorings.

Furthermore, there is no shortage of “Christians” who march for BLM, advocate for LGBTQ lifestyles, embrace gender rebranding, and promote the fallacy of climate change which lies at the heart of globalism. All of this shows glaring faults in the integrity of their faith since this bunch are “Christians” who also pick their way through the Scriptures like they are at a buffet – – ignoring what they don’t like and overindulging in what they most want.

That’s the part that gnaws at me and causes me no end of frustration. The truth is there for them to know it, but so many within the church are woefully uninformed – – and they choose to stay that way. There is a large proportion of “Christians” that refuse to spend one calorie of energy to study the full counsel of God’s Word, to humbly yield to its instructions, and to confront their ignorance. It’s so much easier for them to run with the packs that believe as they do and attack the truth instead.

The standard pew-warmer today desperately needs a carnivore diet (1 Cor. 3:2), but as Paul lamented, many of them can’t handle it. Just as Paul recognized young believers needed “milk” instead, so I think he would chastise those churchgoers today who have obstinately remained content with a lactose diet. Hebrews 5:12 states we should be striving for “solid food,” but most “Christians” and their leadership would much rather sip their doctrines through a straw.

A leading giveaway of such “Christians” is their inability to perceive the present times for what is really happening and for what they really mean. If we take 2 Timothy 4:3 at face value – and I do! – then it’s less of an ‘inability’ than it is a ‘refusal.’

This passage makes it clear such “Christians” will not tolerate hearing the things from God’s Word that they MOST need to hear. They will consciously embrace the “fables” instead that are the values and choices of this world.

They do this by “gathering around them teachers to suit their own passions.” That means such “Christians” will openly support pastors, teachers, and other church leaders who show they are not yielded to the full counsel of Scripture, and who evidence by the things they say that they have dangerously “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). It also means such “Christians” will isolate and berate any other pastors, teachers, and other church leaders who call their choices into proper Biblical accountability.

Churches and “Christians” who behave in this manner are living proof that we are indeed in the last days. The Bible calls these folk “scoffers” in 2 Peter 3:3. This bunch is noted for ridiculing the things of God they want no part of, for denying the truth of Scripture when it confronts their choices, for following their own evil desires over the clear counsel of God’s Word, and for mocking those who wait for, long for, and earnestly study the issues around the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Jude goes one step further in Jude 1:18. He makes it clear that churches and fellowships will greatly suffer under the influence of these kinds of scoffers because they create division and introduce erosion. They may imagine themselves to be church leaders, they may imagine they are giving priority to the things they ought to be giving it to – – but Jude adds, “they do not have the Spirit” in vs. 19.

The surge of scoffers in the church today is a clear Biblical sign that we are in the last days. While there are many outside the church that plainly want nothing to do with the truth, there are many inside the church that are the same way.

I’ve come full circle to my opening comments. The prognosis for this nation is not good. You may choose to disagree with me on that – – but I urge you to “be as the Bereans” (Acts 17:11) and examine the Scriptures for yourself. This exercise will clarify all current events through the wisdom of God’s Word.

I believe – if you do – you will ultimately be prompted to say with a new hope, just as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 16:22, “Maranatha” (“Come, Lord Jesus”).