Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
The miraculous resurrection and ascension to heaven of the two mighty ministers at the midpoint of the Tribulation (Revelation 11:11-12) evokes a definite response upon earth: “And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted and gave glory to God” (11:13). Is it possible that this reaction is one of repentance? We know that the death of God’s people can lead others to salvation. I know of folks who have been saved at funerals, for our Savior God is always drawing people to Himself. However, the context does not state that these people are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. It is more likely that these people are terrified (“affrighted”) that the Antichrist cannot protect them. Of course, he has neither the power nor the desire to help anyone. Perhaps some will call upon the name of Jesus for salvation, but passages such as Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 9:20-21, and II Thessalonians 2:8-12 indicate that in general the hubristic and hardened hearts of hordes of humans will not be changed. It is possible to acknowledge the existence of God and not follow Him: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils [demons] also believe and tremble” (James 2:19). May each of us be certain that we do not merely “believe and tremble” but trust and obey.