The Future is Quickly Approaching

The Future is Quickly Approaching 

by David Brenneman 

‭"Then the word of the Lord of hosts came, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her.’ Thus says the Lord, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’ Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’ Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?’ declares the Lord of hosts. Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.’" Zechariah 8:1-8.

We have this blessed hope that while our days on this Earth aren't as we had possibly hoped for or planned, the Word of God stands forever. 

This passage points to days yet future. It points to a promise yet to be kept and will be kept. 

This promise is not unlike the others that Jesus has made towards each and every single person who has come to Christ for salvation. He is, after all, the promise keeper. 

It's on us as Believers to trust and obey. It's on us to do our best to lay aside self so that the works of God are displayed in us. 

Was reading a C.S. Lewis quote yesterday that spoke most pointedly at the truth of the depth of the sin of pride. That all other sins are rooted in it. It's what was found in Satan and caused him to be cast like lightning out of the presence of God. 

Are you at all thinking about the return of Jesus? Does that wondrous thought cross your mind?

Jesus taught a parable on the prudent who looked forward with anticipation at the return of someone very important and special. It wasn't just to add pages to the Bible. It's written for our instruction.  

Are you really ready to be all you were meant to be in Christ? It's mostly on you. Either your life is in pursuit of self or its in pursuit of what the Spirit is showing you is important to Jesus concerning you. 

Our lives in Christ are not our own. 

We are admonished to have ears that hear and to have eyes that see. 

Unless we're actively listening to the Spirit we're really living on our own. 

Was reading in my Journal last night. It takes you back to posts in summary for each year going back as far as you have been writing. 7 years ago, I wrote something that took another 4 to happen. I was convinced at least that long ago that there would be a day that we would be living in this city. In retrospect, the Spirit was saying it was coming, but we had things yet to finish before we would be moving. If only I had been listening better, many of my griefs and sorrows wouldn't have been the same. 

6 years ago yesterday I had written something at length about a better understanding of my life in light of the life of Joseph. What I had written was because of an understanding given from listening to the Spirit. 

My Dear Reader, actively listening, not just hearing what you want to hear, is where it's at with growing in Christ. 

The Spirit, as Jesus said in ‭John 16:13, tells us what is to come. It's on us to open our ears. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."

Are you listening with your whole heart? David was known as a man after God's own heart. David, outside of his fall with Bathsheba, wanted to hear from the Lord as much as he could in everything. 

The Lord, as often as He could, got away from people to be with His Father. They talked. He listened and obeyed. 

What are you doing to hone your skills at actively listening to the Spirit? Back up what you are thinking you're hearing with seeking out confirmation through prayer and Godly men who are good at discerning the Word of God. This is a huge part of not forsaking the assembly of God. You cannot learn from others in Christ if you aren't around them...and clearly...the Spirit has said we must learn from others in Christ. 

Look at your priorities. If God's growing you isn't in them, throw them out. 

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. 

You're never going to know what He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think about if we aren't walking with Jesus. It's never, ever, going to enter your heart and mind. 

Maybe it's time for you to get your spiritual ears cleaned.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.