Darkness is today fast covering the earth and gross darkness the people. We see industries shutting down, businesses folding up in a number of nations with economic uncertainties in most parts of the world in fufilment of scriptures.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1-2).
The Bible says: And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:6-8; see also Malachi 4:1, 2).
According to scriptures, things will get worse, prophetically, for the world but God has ordained our exemption. That means, the tougher things get, the brighter and higher we soar. However, our exemption is only guaranteed by light, because the dominion of light over darkness is instant and unquestionable. It is written: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:5). When light comes in; darkness steps out. There will never be a contention between darkness and light. Hence, the negative impact of these end-time prophetic scriptures will not affect us as long as we walk in light and operate according to the revelation of the truth. It is important to understand that light also connotes revelation, which simply means spiritual understanding of the truth. It is accessing the mysteries behind scriptural stories. Anyone can have literal understanding of the truth as long as he/she is literate; but not everyone can access revelation, as it is the exclusive preserve of the redeemed. Therefore, it is important that we have real value for light (revelation); otherwise, an ignorant believer will experience the same things unbelievers suffer. It is written: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (Hosea 4:6). That is why our only guarantee for exemption is light. Jesus said: …I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12). Jesus is the living Word; thus, when we walk in the light of scriptures we have the light of life; therefore, we cannot stumble. As stated earlier, as a result of the economic holocaust pervading the world, businesses are folding up and organizations are downsizing. This means that people are rendered jobless and those seeking job opportunities cannot be employed. Contractors and suppliers cannot get customers, as market men and women record low sales. In fact, people cannot engage productively, daily. However, when we catch a revelation of our exemption, we cannot suffer what the world suffers. As it is written: When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person (Job 22:29).
- But, what is the Assurance of our Exemption? God hates idleness.
In the parable by Jesus in Matthew 20:1:6-7), the ‘householder’ is God, the Father, as seen in Ephesians 2:19. He went out early in the morning to hire labourers into His vineyard and after He had agreed with them on the payment, He sent them out to work. This shows that God has something profitable for every member of His household. Furthermore, God even questioned some individuals, saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He was expressing His aversion for idleness. Therefore, whatever our hands find to do, we must do it with all our might before we find what we really desire to do (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Let’s recognise that there are diverse opportunities around us; all we need is to take advantage of them and get to work. Remember, there is no future for the idle man. As it is written: The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (Proverbs 13:4; see also Ecclesiastes 9:10).
For instance, the Bible records the story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, who were about to die of thirst due to lack of water. However, when God heard her cry, the Bible says that: And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad to drink (Genesis 21:19). Revelation simple means spiritual not literal understanding of the truth. Accessing the mystery behind the story, just any anybody can understand the story as long as you are literate but not everybody can access the mystery or the revelation, it is the exclusive reserve of the redeemed of the Lord. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables (Mark 4:11).
Thus, one must be born again because new birth is a non negotiable requirement for anyone to access the revelation of the truth. Are you born again? If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”
For further reading, please get my books: The Force Of Freedom, The Miracle Seed, Word Encounters. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.
I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org