They thought it was over! Rome had denied all religious appeal as Jesus the Messiah was hanged from a cross in one of the most ignominious deaths created by man in all history. The Master had explained this event would occur, but until they saw Him hanging, exposed to the world, reality did not sink into their minds.

    One may think that this Signpost is about Easter. Far from that thought for we see in the fulfillment of this prophecy, Life! Jesus is saying, have a 24/7 life forever. When He conquered death, hell and the grave He made His Word live as quoted in John 14:19. “Because I live, you will live also.” After the resurrection Jesus was seen for about 40 days by various groups and by more than 500 at one time. But, it was to his disciples he said, I am not a spirit!  (Lk24:39) “A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”      

    When Christ ascended into heaven He gave a simple directive in Acts 1:4 by commanding “them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father.” With anticipation they prayed looking for Spirit leadership during the chaos of Roman rule.  

    The world was much the same that day as today for many believers were martyred because they chose another King. The lepers and the sick needed someone that will heal them. It was a day of terror, where wickedness abounded, lawlessness was in the streets and deception was on every hand. They needed the power of God that will guide and be within the believer.       

    Yet, out of that upper room of 120 believers on the day of Pentecost God chose to begin the Church era. Jesus had declared to Peter that His Father in heaven revealed Jesus the Christ as the Rock, as the Son of God. And, “on this Rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades (judgments of Hell) shall not prevail against it.”(Mat16:18)  

    Jesus warned Israel and said you “will be killed … sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.” (Luke21:24) More importantly Jesus said to the Church, verse 27, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” As the world witnesses the attempt of Satan through Iran and others to destroy Israel we observe the signs or precursor to the Second Coming.   

    How much longer before it’s over as we wait for the Lord’s return? Yogi Berra, New York Yankee great, would immediately tell you “The game isn’t over until it’s over.” As the U.S. continues to find national relevancy stumbling into bible prophecy, she continues disobedient to revealed Truth.  

    Yes, this unbelieving nation professes “to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus1:16)  

    There is no way to place the USA in bible prophecy except by action and geological description. Jeremiah 50:37 describes a land like the USA which I have loved and served a lifetime. The Lord spoke against Babylon and Chaldea, and other nations may be described in the same way as “mingled people that are in the midst of her.”  

    With the recent ruling by a Supreme Court that violated the U.S. Constitution and the law of God regarding marriage the USA meets the prophecy when “they shall become as women” and “a sword is upon her treasures ($18 Trillion Debt); and they shall be robbed.”

    Consistent with this theme, Jeremiah 51:13 continues; “O you who dwell by many waters, Abundant in treasures, Your end has come.” America should not end like this for God said in 2 Chronicles  7:14: “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

    

    N. Brad Carter is a bible class teacher on WMER (1390 AM) Radio. Email him at rbc@wmerworldwide.com.