August 19: SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS VS. SURRENDER TO GOD
And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 11:10
The phrase those who dwell on the earth is twice used in this short verse. It is a consistent reference to those whose citizenship is not in heaven and emphasizes the short-sightedness of all who choose to be lost. God’s word and those who lived by it are here called these two prophets.
The gospel of salvation has always been a harassment to the consciences of the unconverted. Exposure to that Word is accompanied by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. While the conscience is a gift from the Creator, an attitude of refusal to surrender to Him is the real source of the torment.
The nation of Israel had been given great spiritual light and chosen as a vessel to contain and dispense that light to the world. Today’s verse is foreshadowed in the microcosm of Israel: the wicked King Ahab was tormented by two prophets. His pagan wife, Jezebel, was Satan’s instrument to hijack the precious truths that had been given by God. In the character of Satan, Jezebel’s influence was heavy-handed, even to the point that Elijah the prophet, Ahab’s contemporary, was considered by Ahab to be an enemy (1 Kings 21:20) and a troubler of Israel (1 Kings 18:17). These two mischaracterizations of this great man of God are manifestations of Ahab’s corrupted thought process. Another contemporary of Ahab was the prophet Micah who saw his own countrymen using social and political power for personal gain. The poor among them were being exploited and abused by rich and influential Jews. What a terrible witness by the only nation on earth in full possession of God’s truth!
Micah’s pronouncement of impending judgment was certainly accompanied by the hope of restoration through allowing a change of heart and honoring the righteous demands of the LORD. Nevertheless, Ahab declared of Micah: “I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” (1 Kings 22:8) Ahab’s statement reflects the sentiments of many who have no intent to bend their own selfish will to God’s righteous will. Yet God’s invitation is for everyone, and the bending of the stubborn human will lands under the “jurisdiction” of the Holy Spirit’s power. God’s people are to consciously and prayerfully conduct themselves in alignment with the still, small voice of His Spirit, making certain that we do not create barriers for the Spirit’s work in others.
Beloved, in our day—the time of the end—it is more needful than ever that we fix our eyes upon Jesus, our quintessential example of humility and faithfulness to our heavenly Father. His tender compassion is more influential than the devil’s coercive tactics. While it is true that our fallen world rejoices in, is entertained by, and celebrates evil, it is also true that many will come to recognize the short-sightedness of making merry over that which will not last. Be humble enough to allow yourself to be hated as you faithfully reflect the gentle character of the Savior.
“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Mark 13:13
“Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, [while] the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” John 16:20