Wake-Up Call
“When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” ( Luke 18:8)
Following this interesting question, Jesus gave us a parable of two men.
“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’
“And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
“I tell you, this man sent down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
This is a difficult question: “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
The world-wide plague of the corona virus continues to awaken the world in many categories beyond politics and economies. We are experiencing a deep challenge that questions our faith, love, and the responsibility to speak to this new world we find ourselves in.
Let faith arise. May this generation do as the faithful Apostles who “continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42). The world, when they heard that message, dared to ask, “What shall we do?” The boldness of the Apostles awakened their world. “Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’”
What has happened in our world of late is not an insignificant event. It was and is a message to the Born-Again Church around the world. The events of the past few weeks have touched many souls outside the Church; testimonies are told of the return of prodigals to the fold and the new-found interest in the Bible by those who have long denied the power of God.
The question of faith awakens the power of faith, in us. “Preach the word: be instant in season out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” (I Timothy 4:2-6.) Churches around the world have experienced strong and vibrant prayer meetings during this shocking plague. I’ve had conversations with many preachers who are seeking God for renewal, fresh faith and anointing. Faith is alive. Laying aside all arrogance, boasting, talent and misplaced trust in our human successes and trusting anew in the exceeding greatness of His power will bring great spiritual victories.
The Church is not without power and purpose. We must stay strong. The book of Proverbs directs us to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Such is wisdom. The will of God is sure. The great moment that has come upon the modern world is a wake up call. Walk by faith, for God is with us. And if God is with us, then we have this assurance: with God all things are possible to those that believe.
Let’s have revival.
Paul D. Mooney