Y2k And The Answer From God

We have found ourselves in a struggle for answers for Y2K. A possible doomsday scenario has alerted our attention, but we must be careful of the driving force behind our actions. We could very easily be deceived into "natural" solutions for "spiritual" problems. This could very easily be a test for Christians. The real question we must answer is: are we hearing or reacting?

John 16:13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it to you.

John reveals three things that the Spirit of truth will do:

1. He will "Guide you into all truth.." Once a people lose touch with the Lord, they begin to react. They rationalize their problems with natural solutions. In Proverbs 3:6, direction comes as we acknowledge Him and give Him our first priority, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths."

2. "He will show you things to come.." That is a promise. If we are unaware of things to come, it is because we have lost contact with the one who holds the future. Amos 3:6, 7: "When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?’ Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." Gen 18:17 "Then the LORD said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?’"

3. He will "Receive of mine, and shall show it to you.." The Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus to you; in the time of trouble, the only stabilizing factor is a revelation of Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus is our refuge in the time of trouble. I believe many saints will get so caught up in self-preservation they will have no revelation on the real problem they are facing.

If we are going to receive guidance, according to John, it is going to be in truth and intimacy with God.

Make sure that you hear what I am saying: it is not wrong to naturally prepare, but with that preparation, we need to hear from God.

EVEN A GOOD KING CAN GO WRONG.

2 Chr 16:12 "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians."

The key word in this verse is "only." He tried to take care of spiritual problems with natural answers. He became so fearful in protecting his life, he revealed his lack of faith in God in the time of trouble: he reacted, rather than acted. The word tells me that Asa was a good King "the heart of Asa was perfect all his days." (2 Chr 15:17) Even the best of us can make the wrong decision based on self-preservation.

BE CAREFUL THAT YOUR SECURITY IS NOT IN YOUR PROVISION.

Luke 12:18-20, "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.’"

It is clear that this man’s security was in his provision and not in his Provider. He felt that his abundance would give him the freedom to "Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."

HEARING - OVERCOMING.

Rev 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches… To him that overcomes..

Every church in the book of Revelation was required to do two things: hear and overcome. I believe that you cannot overcome unless you hear. "Today if you will hear his voice…" (Heb 3:7)

THE MOUNTAINS:

Many will find refuge in the mountains because they are not capable of dealing with the problems of this world and society. Rather than threatening the world, the world will threaten them into retreat. Their presence in this world will mean no more than protecting what they have. If they are not into evangelizing, then they will be into some form of isolation and separation, the lost will mean nothing. You are called to be light and salt in this world. Your very existence is to claim others for his kingdom and glory.

Ps 11:1 "In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain.’"