15/01/2023 - DESOLATE HOUSES

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In my hearing the LORD of hosts said, “Truly, many houses shall be desolate, great and beautiful ones, without inhabitant.”    Isaiah 5.9

The prophecy was not for those days, but for a period of more than one hundred years. It would never fail and was fulfilled in its entirety. The Lord has foreknowledge – He knows everything that will happen to each person until the last day of their life. That is why He tells us to preach the Word in season and out of season. Those who accept the work Jesus did in His death will be saved; but those who put off such a decision and do not repent in time will be lost forever (2 Timothy 4.1-5). Be alert!

The word received by Isaiah has been fulfilled. In the same way, when Jesus ascended, the angels said that He will return: And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,  who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven (Acts 1.10,11). Wait for Him with faith!

Generally, God speaks by His easiest and most used means: the reading or preaching of His Word. It is sad when people reject it and continue in error. Now, at Christ’s return only the born-again will go up with Him, who eagerly await Him. Don’t be fooled by anyone, for the Master said: And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved (Mark 13.13).

Many were gathering possessions and making plans for the future, but the Spirit of God spoke in the prophet Isaiah’s ear, saying that many houses would be desolated, without residents. Those who saved what they could would see Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, take the best of them and even become slaves in the foreign country. And indeed, the houses became desolate! (2 Chronicles 36:17-21).

People often plan for the future without knowing the Lord’s purpose. Now, they should follow God’s directions laid out in the Scriptures. One day the last trumpet will sound, and the King of kings will come in the clouds to take His Church – those who love Him and have persevered in following Him (1 Thessalonians 4.16,17). Those who do not believe in Him live as if this return will not happen. But when they see Him in His glory, they will despair!

This Day will be glorious for those who remain believing in the Lord, but those who do not want to convert and each day add to their possessions, living as if nothing of what He said will happen, will be surprised and will shout at the top of their voices for His mercy, but it will be too late (Matthew 24.37-44). Live as if Christ is coming back today or tomorrow. Never give way to sin in your life. After all, only those who are firm in their faith will go up with the Lord.

The money that some have gathered will not help on the day of the greatest event the world has ever seen. The important thing is to secure your eternal salvation and to remain steadfast in this purpose, following the Master in His commandments. Those who are unprepared will discover that there will be no second chance and, once lost forever, will lament. Pray!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares