July 15: PROPHETIC PARALLEL #6
…that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body… that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10b,11b
Both of the prophecies (the end of Daniel and Revelation 13) indicate that some will politely refuse to comply with the one-world system, the coming end-time order of world dominion. This is prophetic parallel #6 and it correlates directly with having a clean heart and the Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:10-11)
In an active relationship with Jesus, our habits and demeanor are meant to continually express the work of God’s grace upon our hearts; quite literally, the life of Jesus… manifested in our mortal flesh. In the midst of the world’s chaos, our lives should exhibit the essence of the sweetness of the Son of God. John the Revelator stated the idea very simply: Here is the patience and the faith of the saints (Revelation 13:10b). There is nothing obnoxious or off-putting exhibited in the life of one who is walking with the Lord, except with individuals who do not accept Biblical truth. Though God’s people do not go about seeking adversity, our sovereign God will engineer circumstances so that the life of Jesus in us will make itself evident.
Daniel expressed that in the time of the end, many of God’s former enemies—even well-known enemies—will humbly surrender to the Good Shepherd, joining the flock, and thus meeting with confrontation by the adversary. But these shall escape from [the adversary’s] hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon (Daniel 11:41; see also Isaiah 11:14; John 10:16). Such a one will not receive the mark of the beast on his forehead, meaning he has the seal of God there; nor will he receive it on his hand, meaning he will not pretend to go along with it, abstaining from even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
When the life of Jesus is manifested in our body, our actions stand the best chance of spiritually benefitting those around us. There will always be others who are irritated or agitated by our obedience. But a member of Christ’s flock does not indulge self-pity. Instead, he focuses on love for Jesus and the delight of doing His will (Psalm 40:8). Think of Daniel’s walk with the Lord. Others noticed that an excellent spirit was in him (Daniel 6:3). But some of Daniel’s peers, covetous of his position, said among themselves: “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” (v.5) Their crafty manipulations landed Daniel in a den of lions. This scenario is a clue to the time of the end “set-up” against God’s faithful people. It will be a worldwide test of obedience in a large-scale den of lions. The people who know their God will recognize the deception and calmly refuse to comply. These circumstances will be the means that He uses to exhibit His extraordinary purity and grace. Jesus said:
“You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” Matthew 10:18-20 (see also Mark 13:9-11; Luke 21:12-15)