WOE
Every day I get to work log into my computer, open my web browser and email and the first article I see or email is something pertaining to Novel Coronavirus 2019. For a moment I start to get captivated with all the info and news. Then I gather my thoughts and look up believing that my redemption is drawing near. I keep hearing everyone referring to this as unprecedented times. Yes, for our generation of 2020 this is unprecedented but in the generations of the history of mankind this is nothing new.
In the bible we see God wiping out a whole world and confusing the world due to sin, and we even see him slaying 70,000 of his people by a plague due to sin. I think it’s safe to say that we need to go back and look at the history that is in the scriptures. I hear a lot of conspiracy talk surrounding CO-VID 19. Some are believing its a hoax for martial law or that the government created the virus to free up space on the earth. However, the reality is that God is sovereign over everything and nothing happens except God knows about it. I mean we are talking about the God who stretched out the heavens over the earth. God commands the earth, moon and sun to sit in the midst of nothing. Surely nothing is hidden from him.
In the midst of all this chaos the words of Jesus “WOE” keeps going off in my mind. Jesus gave many WOEs in the scriptures and I believe now would be a good time to really pay attention to those WOEs if you haven’t before. During this time you would think that people would be in a place of repentance and seeking God for a way out. Instead of seeking God I see many worried people that still won’t turn to God and on the other hand I see many not so worried people carrying on about with their usual sin, and some their sin has even increased. Then of course, I see the ones who acknowledge God but in the same breath curse God and with their lives prove they don’t know God.
I saw a girl on my Facebook page acknowledging how she trust God and he will keep her through this, a few words down she’s swearing and cursing another person. I just shook my head, because the fear of God has left the people. I see churches across the world have resorted to live streaming, but the heartbreak is that even in a time like this it still has boiled down to numbers. Leaders are concerned with how many views they can get versus if the message they are preaching will lead someone to repentance and Faith in Jesus Christ. This isn’t about being famous, it has always and will always be about the kingdom. Our Nation is supposed to be a nation founded on God, but yet we as a nation have left God. Sexual immorality is accepted in all aspects from dressing immoral, to being homosexual, to being pedophiles. Men have fallen from their rightful positions as the head and it is widely accepted in our nation for the woman to be the head of house hold. Children both young and old have no respect for their parents or elders and it’s acceptable in our nation. Mothers and fathers have lost natural affection towards their children and we are okay with babies being slaughtered. Not only here in America is this a problem but the whole world has left God. The fear of God has left those who claim to know God and I think that is the saddest part. We have to wake up and repent because the WOE is certainly here.
WOE to the world because of offences (stumbling Blocks)! For it must needs be that offences (stumbling blocks) come; but WOE to that man by whom the offence (stumbling block) cometh. Matthew 18:7
WOE unto you that are full! For ye shall hunger. WOE unto you that laugh now! For ye shall mourn and weep. Luke 6:25
WOE unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:21
WOE to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions Isaiah 10:1
WOE to him that builds a city with bloodshed and founds a town with violence! Habakkuk 2:12
WOE to her who is rebellious and defiled, the tyrannical city! Zephaniah 3:1
WOE unto thee, chorazin! WOE unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Matthew 11:21
WOE unto the wicked! It shall be ill with him; for the reward of his hands shall be given him. Isaiah 13:11
WOE be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Saith the Lord Jeremiah 23:1
Thus saith the Lord God; WOE unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! Ezekiel 13:3
WOE unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets Luke 6:26
WOE unto you, Pharisees! You love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Luke 11:43
WOE unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may pursue strong drink, who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them! Isaiah 5:11
WOE unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
Those are a few of the WOEs in the bible. These are not just WOEs for the church or hypocrites or America these are WOEs for the whole world, both unbelievers and believers alike. I believe we need to take heed to these, come to a place of repentance and seek after the Lord with our whole heart. It’s time to do a self-examination and to ask God to search our hearts and try it. Things are changing rapidly in the World and you and I can’t afford to be caught up in the WOE. God has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:9 The only way we can partake in his salvation is if we truly are born again. So again I say let’s examine ourselves to make sure we are in the Faith and not partaking in these WOEs. Even when the Lord allows this to pass lets continue to examine ourselves and always be in a place of repentance.
And, Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. 1 John 3:3