He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people: “Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Let the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah. (Psalm 50:4-6)
As we continue to explore the implications of these verses, let’s again revisit the notion that judgment begins in the house of God. As has been stated before, when He judges His people, it is not with the intent of destroying them but to prove them and provoke them to turn from evil and draw closer to Him. Also, if He calls upon the heavens and the earth as witnesses, and if the heavens declare His righteousness, then the heavens and earth will provide evidence of His sovereignty. As Messiah said, “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations” (Luke 21:25).
We have also stated previously that these signs are primarily for the benefit of His people because the wicked of the world tend to discount any providential influence when significant events occur in the heavens or on earth. They typically conclude that these signs are nothing more than natural occurrences. So if that is so — if the signs are for His people — then it is God’s way of provoking us to get our act together and be what we’ve called to be. We are being prodded to abandon the ways of the world and to embrace His righteous will and purpose.
I would add that these events signal something monumental is about to happen in the earth — i.e. something is being birthed. In fact, the Bible teaches that signs in the heaven and earth are Creation’s labor pangs forecasting that, soon, the sons of God are to be revealed as God prepares to redeem His people. Paul testifies of this truth saying:
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (Romans 8:19-22)
The point of today’s devotion is this: we must be willing to submit to God’s reproof and correction today if we are going to be revealed in the earth as His children tomorrow. Things that are transpiring aren’t necessarily evidence that everything is falling apart as much as it is evidence that everything is falling into place, thus setting the stage for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. And so, as all these troubling events continue to swirl around us, “Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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