November 4: TESTIMONY OF JOY
Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. Exodus 4:8
Biblical prophecy points to the repeated opportunities for salvation before the close of probation. Even as the world deteriorates (which is itself a sign of the Lord’s imminent return), our relationship with Jesus should be vividly punctuated with joy. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is a divine promise! It is the natural companion of the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
The deteriorating state of our fallen world tends to foster a sense of hopelessness. Our adversary aims to cause God’s people to be perpetually overcome by horrific scenes of man’s violence and nature’s havoc, in order that they (we) will lose the fervor to carry the message of the everlasting gospel to those who do not sense even a glimmer of hope. But the urgency is greater than ever!
Beloved, hold fast to your faith in the Redeemer to fulfill every promise of our Father in heaven. Even as Jesus made His way to the cross, He looked upward and beyond…. through the corridor of time—and gazed upon the faces of the redeemed. And what is behind the joy on those faces? The knowledge of the magnanimity of His unmerited favor and enduring mercy lavished upon all who desire to live for Him! This is behind their countenances, radiant with love for the Savior. John was shown that they overcame…by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11). Therefore, even on the road to Golgotha, for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), the divine rescue strategy for the human race proceeded as planned, exactly on time.
Can any Bible-believing Christian doubt that we are living in the time of the end? As the worldly headlines continue to get worse, multitudes are being instantly transported to the valley of decision (Joel 3:14), where each person must decide, asking the question: Will I look to worldly leaders for deliverance or to the Creator who has fully extended His arm of salvation?
As you patiently hold fast to the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12), your testimony will be both enlarged and refined by the work of the Holy Spirit in you. Your personal testimony becomes as that of a heavenly messenger*. Indeed, there is a message of the latter sign that many will come to believe. Let your personal, patient testimony be followed by the punctuation of joy. Think of the heavenly headlines! Jesus spoke of joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7)
Hear the confession of our dear brother, the apostle John:
*…I fell at [the angel’s] feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10