Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
I keep having dreams the bottom line message being “Prepare”.
I am not one for prophetic dreams. There was a phase of several years where I did not remember my dreams at all! Before that, I used to dream stories, some of which have become short stories and books (some published, some on the shelf). But over the last couple of years, I’ve tended to dream messages which tell me to ‘be prepared’ — for a worsening scenario on the society scope.
John the Baptist said, “Prepare ye the way of the LORD”.
I am dreaming, Prepare dreams: preparing landscape, preparing buildings, preparing farmland, preparing young women by encouraging character growth… I’m preparing for something…..
Yet, this morning I awoke and thought to write this post.
How short is our time?
When is Jesus to return?
About 18 months ago, the LORD spoke to my heart and said simply, “Jesus is returning soon”. Well, we know from scripture that GOD’s quickly and ours is not the same sort of time line. McDonald’s fast food ‘soon’ and the Father’s ‘soon’ are worlds apart.
In Revelations 3:11 Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”
Preparing the Bride
I write “Preparing the Bride” in an effort to offer depth and breadth of Biblical understanding to encourage us all to grow in the LORD, to deepen our faith, trust, responsibility, readiness for the return of our Lord.
The wise and foolish virgins
Have a look at Matthew 25:1-13. I highlight the following, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour [b]in which the Son of Man is coming.”
This familiar parable is for all of us to remember along with “… I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) to remind us, to ensure we are wise and ready. The oil in the lamps is compared to the oil of the Holy Spirit, the surrender of our souls, to willingness to follow.
Elisha did not leave Elijah but clung to his presence, not wanting to miss his teacher’s departing. Elisha did not miss that moment when Elijah was taken up as recorded in 2 Kings 2 and was rewarded a double portion of anointing in his own life as a prophet.
Likewise, we do not want to miss what the LORD has for us: here on earth and in heaven. So let us continue to be ready, to be prepared for Jesus’ return, not dwelling on the riches of this world nor rewards here on earth, but on the eternal presence and eternal rewards — such as the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)
Wearing our love and our armour
Today we who are In Christ must wear our love and our armour….. for we wrestle not against flesh but against powers and principalities. May I encourage us to do deeper study of 1John 3:16-24, 1 Corinthians 13:4-12 and Ephesians 6:10-20, to develop a clearer, deeper, fuller understanding of how we may love the LORD our GOD with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbour as ourselves… even our enemies.
May the word of Yeshua Jesus dwell in us richly! (Colossians 3:16)
Added bonus
When we are in heaven, taken up as in a rapture, or when the LORD takes us in death — I know not which — let us be all He has created us to be, to the best that our surrender, love, joy, compassion and peace will enable us to be. And then we will have “no more tears”, perhaps even to meet our previous-departed loved ones, and many of the saints that have gone before us, including the prophets of old and of course, Yeshua / Jesus himself.
Hallelujah!
Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.