[206]. A Message From A Poem – Opposition Is Here So Be Committed

[206]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – OPPOSITION IS HERE SO BE COMMITTED

There are two things I say over and over, that are expected from a Christian in these last days. One is FAITHFULNESS, and the other is COMMITMENT. In this poem the emphasis is on both.

Too many Christians are “fair weather Christians”, who fall away when the road gets bumpy or if there is a cost. These are found in the western nations mainly, for in many parts of Africa, and some regions in Asia, Christians are paying for their faith and faithfulness with their lives. These are the committed ones.

The gospel records – {{Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, and follow Me”}}. Taking up a cross in those days meant you were going to the place of execution. That calls for commitment, counting your life of no consequence to be a follower of the lord.

The poem is a call to all who claim they follow Jesus to be real and to be COMMITTED. This is just a couplet from the poem.

“Far gone are the times for play acting; things are serious now.

Surrender all things to Christ, honour Him, and before Him bow.”

What of opposition? Well, we all hate it, but let us be certain. Opposition is here and will increase as wickedness now grows rapidly. This is where the Lord wants FAITHFULNESS to Him even in the face of death. I know it is easy to write these words from the safety of our homes in some nations but we must not be blind to those undergoing persecution. They are fellow believers.

Today Christians are being arrested for speaking about Christ in the streets and for praying for others publicly. In Australia you are forbidden to speak to a person of some “alternate gender” or to anyone about abortion, even if they ask you to pray for them. What has happened to us? We have become grossly wicked! Spiritism and paganism is promoted. The worse society gets, then the greater the persecution is against Christians (and as we now see, against Israel and the Jews as well).

{{Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison THAT YOU MAY BE TESTED, and you will have tribulation ten days. BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH, and I will give you the crown of life.”}}

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OPPOSITION IS HERE SO BE COMMITTED

When you are downtrodden on the path, and everything has dimmed;

When the storm clouds burst asunder, and your life feels it is trimmed;

When you face rejection from the ones who hate the Christian way;

They are the times you resort to God, when you are in the fray.

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Deliverance from out the lion’s mouth has not been promised.

God may grant it, but against opposition’s wall, we’re appressed.

These are the last days and evil, we know, is in full flight.

Violence it causes; delusion, lying - fruit of the night.

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God holds His own, His own special children, so close to His breast.

Storms may rage and devastate, but His sheep are settled in rest.

Lions may tear and elephants trample, but we are His flock.

Our feet, though mutilated, will ever stand on the Rock.

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Days are so dark, so Christians, you can not play with the shadows.

Full declaration of your witness, extract from the burrows;

Strong for the Lord, strong for faith on display, and strong for God’s word -

These you need, plus bravery, and your loins for Christ, you must gird.

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Jesus Christ is faithful; don’t worry about the coming day.

Let your light shine among your foes, and walk in the narrow way.

Far gone are the times for play acting; things are serious now.

Surrender all things to Christ, honour Him, and before Him bow.

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Wickedness has launched its assault on Christ and His followers.

Be committed, transformed, surrendered, and not just church goers.

Jesus is coming for His Church, so be alert, expecting,

Active in the Master’s service, and His leading, respecting.

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R E Ferguson 16 April 2022 Metre = 15 throughout AABB