Daily Devotion | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Survival or Revival Waiting for Jesus’ Arrival

Posted on Aug 26, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Are these days calling for SURVIVAL or REVIVAL…as we patiently wait for JESUS CHRIST’S ARRIVAL?
Have you got your SURVIVAL kit?

1. Should we be praying for SURVIVAL while we wait for Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24-28)

Our Lord Jesus is speaking to His disciples (and us) preparing them for what is ahead. This Olivet discourse covers a major portion of the tribulation events that will unfold AFTER the RAPTURE of the Church (see 1Cor 15:52-55; 1Thess 4:13-18).

Check out these SIGNS:

“25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

After the GREAT EVACUATION – the “catching away” of the Church, the Antichrist will force a mark upon all left on the earth in order for them to buy or sell, which called the “Mark of the Beast.” (Rev 13:16-18).

Pestilences (infectious diseases) will be rampant during the tribulation as they are now (Matt 24:7). Although the Church will be in heaven married to our BRIDEGROOM, believing Jews and tribulation saints will be on earth longing for the return of Jesus Christ during this unprecedented time where the judgments of God (Jesus has the scroll judgments) will be unleashed in the form of 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 vials. Needless to say, it will be a time of SURVIVAL as they await His ARRIVAL.

2. Should we be praying for REVIVAL as we wait for Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

“34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Like then, during this terrible time, there will be many people, bent OVER with CARES…. “and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” (v34)

But Jesus instructed His disciples instead of being bent over with “CARE,” be lifted up with “PRAYER”!

“36Watch ye therefore, and pray always.” (v36)

Honestly, the best way we can come out of the SURVIVAL mode and move to the REVIVAL mode is by PRAYER.

Conclusion: Do you seem OVERWHELMED with CARE? Why not stop right now and make it a matter of PRAYER? Both our TESTIMONY and MINISTRY is at stake during these trying times. Our Lord is looking and needing His children to be in a state of REVIVAL instead of SURVIVAL as we wait for His ARRIVAL.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese