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We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world.

The Great Revolt

The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge. It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (Jer 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is...polluted by its inhabitants..." (Is 24:5).

As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. Thus, we are compelled to discern accurately the significant times in which we live. Indeed, of all the prophetic fulfillments of our day, one prophecy in particular rises with immediate implications. It concerns the"apostasy."

Paul warned, "Let no one in any way deceive you, for [the day of the Lord] will not come unless the apostasy comes first..." (2 Thess 2:3). The apostasy has traditionally been described as a time when many quietly slip into a "great falling away" from true faith in Christ.

Depending upon your specific view, sometime before or after the apostasy the rapture of the church will occur. However, the concept of apostasy as merely "a falling away" is incomplete. The original Greek word for apostasy, "apostasia," when used in classical Greek literature, meant "a political revolt." From this we understand that the end-time apostasy is not just a time of expanded moral compromise; it is a time of open defiance and warlike aggression, a political insurrection, against the laws of God.

This interpretation of the apostasy is not an isolated view. The NIV, RSV, Today's English Version, Phillip's Translation and the New English Bible all render "apostasia" as "the rebellion." The Living Bible interprets the "apostasy" as the "great rebellion," while the Jerusalem Bible assigns a proper name: "The Great Revolt."

As we gaze in awe at the fulfillment of so many other prophecies, let us carefully observe: Mankind has entered an era of open revolt and outright rebellion-an apostasy-against the moral standards of God.

Today, we are witnessing a large-scale rebellion against godliness and moral values. Indeed, this brazen attitude has had a name for itself since the 1960s: the sexual revolution. And "revolution" is exactly what it is.

Our moral standards have not only been challenged, they have been replaced by a "non-standard," one which seeks to promote every sin from obscenity to homosexuality and witchcraft!

Those caught up in this mutiny against morality boldly defy the sway of God in our nation. They argue the only standard Americans have is the standard of individual freedom. In their view, Freedom itself is the "god" ruling America with Self-indulgence sitting at Freedom's right hand.

Yet, Jesus still wants this nation. Though the apostasy will certainly intensify, we must remember it is only one of many prophecies unfolding in our day. The same Divine Word which warned of the Great Rebellion also purposed that God's kingdom shall crush and put an end to all nations (Dan2:44).

Yes, evil shall mature into full rebellion, but good is also ripening into full Christlikeness! (Matt 13:40-43; Jn 17:22-23) Yes, the apostasy shall reveal the nature of Satan, but the true church shall manifest the nature of Christ! Jesus is not only coming in the skies, He is coming "to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed..." (2 Thess 1:10). What seems to be Satan's hour, full of darkness and rebellion, is simply the opportunity for grace to abound to the glory of God in the church!Seated With Christ!

The Second Psalm, perhaps more then any other Bible text, accurately portrays the spirit of our time. Indeed, it also proclaims our correct response to Satan's bold advance. Although it was quoted by the early church (Acts 4:25-26), God has set its full realization for the end ofthis age.

"Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed: 'Let us tear their fetters apart, and cast away their cords from us!' " (Ps 2:1-3).

Although "the rebellion" reveals itself worldwide in many ways, in America many of our leaders have certainly been counseling together "against the Lord" in their recent decisions. We see it in the legal protection offered the gay movement and the shelter provided for satanic rock music. Again, our anti-censorship laws, like armor plating, take their stand against the Lord, shielding the perversity of our entertainment industry. The cry of those in rebellion hammers relentlessly upon the fetters of moral restraint!

This railing against God has not gone unnoticed in heaven. Is the Almighty confounded? Has fear concerning recent developments gripped the Lord's heart? No. The Psalm continues, "He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury." (vv 4-5).

The Lord laughs at the foolishness of those in the rebellion, that they imagine God's judgments cannot reach them. Why then, you ask, does the Lord delay His full judgment? The Lord waits for us, His church. For while the world shall demand, and receive, the reign of hell, the goal of the praying church shall be for the reign of heaven. You see, all of God's prophecies shall be fulfilled: those concerning evil and those concerning good. The Lord has purposed to have a "bride without spot or wrinkle" and a "kingdom" of wheat without tares. The transformation of the church will be fulfilled as surely as the increase of knowledge, the return of Israel and the apostasy itself.

Thus, with great fear and holy trembling, we must review what God has promised concerning us! Let us remember, the Lord is not alone in the heavens. According to His word, He has seated us with Him in the heavenly places (Eph 2:6). It is time for our identity as Christians to shift. We are Americans only by virtue of our ambassador status; our true citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20). And if God is laughing at the mocking of those in the rebellion, let us also, as His subjects, share His confidence! Thus, He commands us to sit with Him in the completeness of His purpose. He requires us not only to live without fear but to stand in prayer for these very nations which defy Him! Listen again to this Second Psalm, for in the very context of worldwide rebellion against Him, it records the most remarkable discourse.

"Ask of Me," the Father says to the Son, "and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Thy possession" (v 8).

This request has little to do with the goodness of the church, but everything to do with the virtue of Christ and the love of the Father toward Him. Look around you: Twenty years ago this nation was cold in prayer. Today, leaders of denominations comprising 180,000 churches in America are calling their churches to unite in supplication for this nation. Jesus has asked the Father for America, and in response the prayer movement has been born!

As Christ's church, we do not deserve a national revival, but Jesus does! As His representatives, in His name and virtue, we ask of the Father for this nation! More than an expression of faith, our prayer is actually an act of obedience: We are commanded to ask God for the nations!

Therefore, while the perverse strive toward complete rejection of God, even as their mocking words fill the air with curses, God's unchangeable promise to His Son, and to His church as Christ's body, is "ASK OF ME, and I will surely give the nations!'' As violence, New Age religions and witchcraft flourish in our schools, ASK God for this nation. While all restraint is removed from the entertainment industry, ASK God for this nation! While perversity dresses in normalcy, ASK God for America! While abortion, partial birth abortion and the abortion pill remain protected by laws, ASK God with confidence, with boldness, with faith for our land.

He who sits in the heavens, laughs. So, put away discouragement; repent of fretting. The more we accept our place in the divine plan, the more we shall laugh at the enemies' plans. The faith that relentlessly asks God, pleases God. Now, as the fulness of the times unfolds, as the world around us clothes itself in prophetic fulfillments, let us put away unbelief; let us repent for withdrawal. For it is a time to boldly ask of God. He has promised, He will give the nations as an inheritance toChrist!

Used by permission from the author.