Jesus told His disciples, “…it has been given to you TO KNOW THE MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has NOT BEEN GIVEN.” (Matt. 13:11)
“…this people’s heart HAS GROWN DULL, (pachunō: it is used metaphorically for becoming stupid) and with their ears they can BARELY hear, and their eyes they have CLOSED…But blessed are YOUR EYES, for they SEE, and YOUR EARS, for they HEAR.” (Matt. 13:15-16)
Jews do not accept Jesus as the promised messiah. Divisions about Him started during Jesus’ lifetime and continue today. Jews believe that the Messiah will be a human, non-divine person who will restore the physical kingdom of Israel, rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and bring earthly peace. Danial prophecy in (Dan. 9:24) “Seventy weeks are determined upon the people of Israel, to finish transgression, to end sin, to be reconciled with God and to bring in everlasting righteousness.” In the 70th week, “…he (the anti-christ) will make a firm covenant with the many (the Jewish people) for one week, but in the MIDDLE OF THE WEEK (this is when the Jews realize they have been deceived and the beast sets an image of himself in the temple) he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” (Dan. 9:27)
John describes what the Lord reveals to him, “Then I saw ANOTHER beast (the false prophet), coming out of the earth He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth worship the first beast, whose FATAL WOUND (the beast is killed and raised from the dead) had been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to SET UP AN IMAGE in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.” (Rev. 13:11-16)
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because THEY REFUSED TO LOVE THE TRUTH and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that THEY WILL BELIEVE THE LIE and so that all who will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” — (2 Thess. 2:9-12)
SO, PRAY AND STAY FAITHFUL SO YOU CAN “GO UP” WHEN THE LORD COMES FOR US…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham