June 15: The Countdown (part 4)
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10 (see also Matthew 25:21)
Testing can be very simple (Genesis 2:17) or very severe (Job!) or anywhere in between. Regardless of the simplicity or severity of the test, what truly matters is faithfulness to the Lord.
Because all of us have fallen, the great mission of Yahweh is the restoration of His likeness in each of us. The best way for us to know how that restoration process (known as sanctification) is going is through testing! We have all failed tests. Do you believe that God is able to equip and strengthen us to go through testing without failing?
The followers of Christ who are alive at the end of time will go through a uniquely severe time of testing. They will indeed pass the test without fail. They are so settled in the truth that they cannot be moved away from it (1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 125:1, Proverbs 12:3). Each of us should desire to be among that unique group. The faithfulness and loyalty they will exhibit will survive through the seven last plagues that fall upon the earth just before the arrival of the Savior.
The seven last plagues described in Revelation 8 & 9 are purposely similar to those described in Exodus. You will remember that there were ten plagues upon the Egyptians, but the magicians could duplicate only the first three (see Exodus 8:18-19). The great deceiver has millions believing that they will be saved from any testing or tribulation. But the fact is that those who are truly the Lord’s people will be saved through the final time of testing. They will be marked with the seal of God and permanently settled in the truth.
The second period of the final countdown will begin just after the four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. (Revelation 7:1) Four symbolizes the whole earth, just as we mark our travel movements in relationship to north, south, east, and west. “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” (v.3)
Do you trust Yahweh to save you through trials? Do you believe He is able? Just as Noah and his family were saved through the flood (Genesis 6-8), Abraham and Isaac through the great test (Genesis 22), Joseph through a series of trials (Genesis 37, 39-50), Job, Daniel’s three friends (Daniel 3), and others—including our Savior who never failed a single test—God’s heaven-bound people are to be saved through the trials, tribulations, and tests that are allowed by our Sovereign Lord.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12