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 resurrection and ascension to heaven of the two powerful prophets of God at the midpoint of the Tribulation (Revelation 11:11-12) is accompanied by an earthquake in Jerusalem: “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 the God of heaven. The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly” (Revelation 11:13-14). This temblor is not as severe as the one of Revelation 6:12, for it is centered in Jerusalem and is not as widespread. We are reminded, though, of the prediction of Jesus from His Apocalyptic Discourse: “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” This localized quake is an immediate judgment upon the people of the city where the prophets were slain. Their perverted celebration of death (Revelation 11:10) must be judged. Furthermore, this judgment demonstrates forcefully that the Antichrist does not have the power to thwart the mighty plan of God. Our Savior reigns, and He fulfills His promises.