Walking on Egg Shells

 

Most recently I have been reading a book by David R. Parsons called, “Flood Gates”.  Perhaps some of you are already aware of his writings.  The title comes from the historical account of the flood during the days of Noah, while the narrative continues to specify the reasons which brought down the Almighty’s wrath on the ancient world of that day.  The author then fast forwards to our modern era, and attempts to answer a question that many bible believers are asking today: ‘Are we living again in the days of Noah?’

One would have to be blind not to see that this world is walking, though unawares, on egg shells toward the outpouring of the “wrath of the Lamb”.  We do not know how long we have before the cup of iniquity will be poured out, as Peter referenced: “When Elohim waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water” (1 Peter 3:20).  However, there are some good news, even in the midst of Elohim’s judgements. YHVH always preserves for Himself a righteous remnant that, will survive and continue to serve Him and the Lamb under all conditions and circumstances.

In this week’s Parashat B’shalach, we are witnessing YHVH’s mighty right hand delivering our ancestors from the perusing army of Pharaoh.  In Exodus chapter 13:21-22  we read a most encouraging word to these escapees: “And YHVH went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people”. I take great solstice from these words, as YHVH was basically saying to them, ‘I will not abandon you, but will be your light in the darkness and covering in the day.  I will lead you and protect you even though you do not know what is before you or behind’.  “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘YHVH is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’" (Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalms 118:6).  

 

But, if we do have to walk through difficult times, the apostle places before us a question: “…what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).  Earlier in his letter, Peter already pointed out that YHVH had given to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, and that we are partakers of the divine nature (ref. 2 Peter 1:3-4). Having received this power, we are enabled to walk in a manner that fulfills YHVH’s instruction regarding righteousness, by being “…of one mind, having compassion and love for one another; …tenderhearted, courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that we were called to this, so that we may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).  This blessing may be applicable to us as the remnant of righteous ones, who are and will be protected during days in which YHVH judges the wicked. Seeing that the times are evil, we should be on the alert, making sure not to be slack in our discernment.

“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds... but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).