Rhapsody of Realities 1 July
Scripture: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:32-34).
In 1948, Israel became a nation, which right now is still tender. It’s engaged in several conflicts and surrounded by enemies who want it completely annihilated. Jesus said, “When the branch is yet tender, it means summer is near.” What did He mean, and why summer? The Bible says, “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son…” (Proverbs 10:5). This shows us something about summer: it’s gathering time. So, the tender branch indicates that gathering time is near.
We see this also in the Book of Amos, where a prophetic word was given concerning the nation of Israel: “Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more” (Amos 8:1-2).
Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here
Israel wasn’t living for the Lord, and God was going to judge them. But He said to Amos, “See, I have a basket of summer fruit.” This meant that He would gather another harvest, referring to the Gentiles. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 says, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.” Our gathering together unto Him refers to the Rapture of the Church, and it’s closer than ever. We don’t have much time left.
The gathering can take place any moment from now. If there’s anything you want to do for the Lord, this is the time. Don’t wait; otherwise, it might be too late. The time to act is now.
CONFESSION: Dear Father, my life is guided by your love and my expectation of the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m compelled by your love to reach all men urgently with the Gospel, thereby preparing them for our great gathering together unto you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 13:11 TLB 11 Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 51 Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed).
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:22-35; Esther 5-7
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 11:10-33; Isaiah 20
Thank you for studying today’s Rhapsody of Realities – “Summer” is Near – written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
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Rhapsody of Realities 1 July 2022
