Could These Be Signs of the Dawning of that DAY!

Thursday, July 24, 2008. Our lawn is in pretty bad shape, therefore, we were hoping that the outer edge of Hurricane Dolly would bring us some much-needed relief. It hasn’t thus far, but just like nearly everything in life, the rain here could bring a breath of life but as we are seeing, it has brought devastation in other places. I do not know why but over the past few years I have been moved in my spirit to think more and more about the part of creation we call weather. We have experienced some mighty and powerful weather events over the past few years. Just think about the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, cyclones, rain storms, flooding, tsunamis, snow and ice storms, lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, and other weather related events. Thousands of lives lost, billions if not trillions of dollars down the drain, and countless homes, crops, and livestock have been destroyed. It’s as if all creation is groaning!

And that is exactly it! That is what I have been thinking about as all these things are happening all around us. When Adam listened to his wife Eve and disobeyed the command of God, his act of rebellion brought sin to our world and with that sin creation underwent radical change. The Apostle Paul made it clear in his letter to the Church at Rome (Romans 8) that creation did not volunteer for or desire to see what happened to it as a result of Adam’s fall. Here’s a modern translation of what Paul wrote from Romans Chapter 8: 18) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19) For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20) Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21) the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22) For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23) And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24) We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25) But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) New Living Translation

How does this passage connect into the weather events we are experiencing today? Of primary importance is to notice exactly what the text says. It speaks of a woman giving birth as an example of this creation groaning process. This clearly depicts increased groans until the birth is accomplished. Then, if you read everything in the Bible that speaks of the closing days of the last days that began when Jesus ascended back into heaven, it is indicated there will be an increase in the number and an implied increase in the intensity of creation related events. Jesus Himself said there would be an increase in earthquakes before He returns. The New Testament book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ as witnessed by the Apostle John details many atmospheric types of calamities that will occur as God brings down the final curtain on this phase of His plan and purpose.

Okay, I may not know the original Greek or Hebrew language and I’m at best only a student of God’s Word but to me it seems clear the birth pain groaning is getting louder and louder as The Day approaches. What should be our response? Of course we need to be prudent in taking care of our families while at the same time we need to always be looking up for one day soon we shall meet Him in the air! Don’t look down. Don’t be depressed. Look up for your redemption draws near! Hallelujah! What a promise and what a great God we serve! The old song makes the point: Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready for that day to come? Amen. …….More later.