The Trumpet Sounds –
Is Anyone Listening?
An
intensity of epic proportions has broken upon this world. Moves are underway to
impeach President Bush,[1]
Pope John Paul II is frantically trying to avert the war in Iraq by tacking an
exile provision for Saddam Hussein on the next United Nations resolution,[2]
many across this nation are calling for a boycott of French products because of
obstructionism, North Korea is threatening to test fire potentially lethal
missiles, and environmentalists are crying foul over possible Alaska oil
drilling. Confusion and unrest are widespread.
Pastors
and many large religious organizations are once again calling for a national
revival. Craig von Buseck, producer of the Christian Broadcasting Network[3]
asked pointedly, “What will be the result if the hedge of protection that has
been around the
Von
Buseck then said,“Just as serious as the threat from the outside is the danger
of
“If there was ever a time
in the history of mankind for revival, it is now.
“The Church Needs revival.
“’If my people who are
called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn
from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin
and heal their land’ (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV).”
There is an alarm that is reverberating throughout Christian churches here in
the
The outcry is related more to what might happen to our
nation, its assets or people than it is over the great issues of eternity. A
revival call is being heard everywhere. It portrays a secularized reason for
knowing God. Like most of the bystanders at the baptism of Jesus, only a few saw
or really heard the display of heavenly grace. Today, very specific things are
occurring that herald the soon coming of Jesus, but the trumpet isn’t being
heard. Christians are waiting for some specific sign
to be motivated to be ready. Some expect specific laws restricting worship.
Others anticipate Jewish work on the
Jesus’ words to the pharisees and Sadducees in
Long ago in a dual prophecy, the young prophet Amos gave
warning after warning
to God’s people. “Shall a trumpet be blown in the
city and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord
hath not done it?” Amos 3:6.
God’s
wrath is about to be poured out in judgments. He warned through Amos that
economic collapse was coming (4:6), natural disasters would follow (4:7), lack
of water would supervene (4:8) and terrible plagues would devastate (4:9-10).
Amos described a lion roaring (symbolizing a judgment was about to come), a
trumpet was sounding, “repent,” but no one seemed to care. This draws upon the
sad imagery of Revelation 3, where the Laodicean Christians felt a need of
nothing (
Then
Amos pled for
Judgment is about to begin
at the house of God (Revelation 11:1-2). Amos pled, “Seek the Lord – lest he
breath out like fire into the house of Joseph.” (5:6). His protection is about
to be withdrawn.
As
unrest and turmoil mount, it will soon be seen that there is no healing balm
left. The cry is going out to turn to the Lord. It is a final appeal to have an
eternal friendship with Jesus. Judgments are coming. Most fearful of all, the
time to finish a covenant relationship with God is running out. Few realize that
a point in time will be reached where their eternal destiny has been forever
made. Few Christians realize that in
References:
1. World Net Daily
– 03/12/03.
2. Sunday
3. CBN.com –
4. Selected Messages,
bk 2, p. 373.
Franklin S. Fowler
Jr., M.D.; EndTime Issues...,
Prophecy Research Initiative
EndTime Issues...,
March 2003 -
endtimeissues.com