Significant Time

Today’s Devotional - April 8, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

I know many of us believe we are in the season immediately preceding the return of Christ. These are the end times. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you may be a minority, but you are definitely not alone. 

Life Way Research published an article  (April 7, 2020) with a poll about what Christians believe about the signs of the times. If you believe you are living at a significant point in history - the vast majority of pastors agree with you. 

I’ve spent my life expecting to see the end times. As I’ve matured, I’ve become aware that many others before me have done the same. There are two ideas for you to consider. 

First - They were mistaken, but that does not mean that I am mistaken. Jesus will return and His return is much closer now than it was. Daily we see evidence of the birth pangs Jesus describes in Matthew 24. Contractions slowly increase in intensity. There is a point when one contraction begins before the previous contraction is complete. When contractions stack, you are nearing “transition” in the birth process. Do you see that pattern?

Second - Even if our generation is not the last generation, this generation will come to an end. If we don’t complete what we have been entrusted with, there is no measure to what would be lost to future generations. In Christ, we live from a position of hope. As we fully surrender to the Lord’s call on our lives, He will move on your behalf to accomplish His will. In Christ, there is no limit to what can be accomplished in the world. 

People long for significance. It is a God-given longing. The longing emerges from your soul’s understanding that you will live for eternity. Eternal significance comes from purpose with eternal consequence. That purpose comes from the One who is called the Alpha and Omega… The Beginning and the End. 

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20) 

Pray with me; Jesus, help me to be Your disciple today and help me lead others to be disciples also. Give me an assignment for Your Kingdom, and the courage to carry it out - today. 

Today’s Song: Medley - In Christ Alone / Cornerstone / The Solid Rock 

As recorded by Anthem Lights 

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

Christ alone; cornerstone

Weak made strong in the Savior's love

Through the storm, He is Lord

Lord of all

When darkness seems to hide his face

I rest on his unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale 

My anchor holds within the veil

Christ alone; cornerstone

Weak made strong in the Savior's love

Through the storm, He is Lord

Lord of all

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till he returns or calls me home

Christ alone, cornerstone… 

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand