CONSIDER THE TIMES

This morning, I read a scripture that sparked something in me. 

It was simple, short, and profound, and I just knew I had to share it with you. 

“… time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11 NLT)

Time is running out. We need to wake up. The time of salvation is near. 

How is your relationship with God? If Jesus arrived back now, would you be ready? Do you know where you will spend eternity?

SEASONS

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 we are told,

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”

What season are you in? What season is the world in?

Things look dark. We have just been through a crippling pandemic that has left many financially ruined. We have a continued war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Politically, the world is divided. A great reset seems to have led many astray, leaving the world polarized and morally bankrupt. Inflation has led to the highest cost of living in a generation.

UNDERSTAND THE TIMES

There is a scripture in 1 Chronicles 12:32 that talks about the tribe of Issachar, and how they had a group of leaders who “understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.”

We need people in our generation who understand the times in which we live. 

Concerning the end times Jesus told us, “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12 NLT)

Has your love for God grown cold? Have you drifted from God?

This is a sign of the times in which we live. If you have, consider your ways, and return to God. Don’t wander away from God. 

At times like this, you need to stand firm, preserve, and endure. 

Jesus continued, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13 NLT)

Another sign of the times is recorded in 1 Timothy 4:1 where it says, “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.”

This shows that in the last days, there will be a great falling away. 

2 Timothy 3:1-5, talking about “the last days”, it tells us that these “will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money.They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

We are living in a time where the world is slipping into a moral decline. Many are living for themselves with no thought of God. Many have their own “spirituality” that is devoid of God. Anything and everything seems acceptable. Things that were once looked upon as vile and godless are now accepted as good. Things that once were looked upon as holy and pure are now canceled as old fashion rubbish. 

Isaiah spoke about this when he prophesied, “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20 NLT)

We are living in dark days. 

TIME IS TICKING BY

This brings me back to the verse I want to share with you today. 

“… time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11 NLT)

What is the time on God’s watch? How much time do we have? Are you ready?

In the build-up to this scripture, we are implored to show “love” and reach out to those who are lost and living in darkness. We are called to be kind and share the good news of Jesus with those caught up in darkness. 

There is an urgency. God is telling us that time is running out. We need to wake up. The day of salvation is at hand. 

Romans 13:12 goes on, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”

God calls you and me to return to him, while there is still time. 

It goes on and says, “Don’t participate in the darkness.” Rather “clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:13-14 NLT)

IT IS TIME TO RETURN TO GOD

God is calling you back. 

“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT)

It is time to wake up. 

“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (Ephesians 5:14-16 NLT)

Wake up. Arise. Make the most of every opportunity in these dark days. 

In Luke 15, Jesus told a story of the prodigal son, who walked away from his father and got caught up in a life of darkness, destruction, and sin. When he hit rock bottom, he came to his senses and set off back to his father, wanting to repent, but thinking he was too bad. 

We are told, “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NLT)

While he was expecting his father to condemn him, his father ran to meet him, threw his arms around his son, and welcomed him back. He welcomed his lost son back. 

Today God is calling you to come back. His arms are open wide. 

YOUR DAY OF SALVATION IS HERE

Today is your day of salvation. 

Jesus came to bring good news. He paid the full price for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven and can come back into a relationship with God.

This relationship can start today and goes right into eternity. 

When Jesus started his ministry, he picked up the scroll of Isaiah and read this prophetic word, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:18-19 NLT)

After reading this prophecy Jesus rolled up the scroll and told those in attendance that “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:21 NLT)

In the original prophecy, it goes on and speaks of “the day of vengeance of our God.” (Isaiah 61:2 NIV)

Jesus stopped short of the time of judgment. Today, we are still living “in the time of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:19)

During this time of God’s favor, you can return to God. Time is running out. Return before it is too late. 

“That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12-13 NLT)

IT IS YOUR TIME

“… time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11 NLT)

CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD AND BE SAVED. 

Today you can call on Jesus to be your Savior.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13 NLT)

Put your trust in Jesus. 

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” (Acts 16:31 NLT)