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(Rev 7:9, 10, 14 KJV) "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; {10} And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. {14} ...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." "...narrow is the way...." (Mat 7:14 KJV)
Tribulation Does Not Mean Wrath of God In my search to understand the word "tribulation," I found it to have much different Hebrew and Greek meanings than I believe most Christians have perceived. In my first perception of it, I thought of only judgments and wrath of God (with banner). I had the same perspective as most Christians until I studied it for myself. When the Hebrew words tsar (H6862), tsarar (H6887) and tsarah (H6869) in the O.T. and the Greek words thlipsis (G2347) and thlibo (G2346) in the N.T. are searched out and studied, one can better understand "tribulation," Israel's past troubles and Jacob's latter day trouble. O.T. on Tribulation In the first three verses of the O.T. where the Hebrew word tsar (from the word tsarar) was found, according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Dictionaries, it was translated "enemies" and "narrow." (Gen 14:20 KJV) "And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." (Num 22:26 KJV) "And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left." (Num 24:8 KJV) "God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows." In Deuteronomy 4:30, in the next and fourth verse where the word tsar was found, it was translated "tribulation," and in other verses "trouble" (2 Chr 15:3-4), "affliction" (Psa 106:42-45), "anguish" (Job 7:11), "sorrow" (Isa 5:30), "distress" (2 Sam 22:5-7), (things possibly experienced from an opponent,) "adversary" (Psa 74:10), "adversaries" (Deu 32:27, 43), "enemy" (Psa 44:10; 78:42), "enemies" (Deu 32:41; Neh 9:27; Psa 27:12), "foes" (1 Chr 21:12), (translated in other verses) "distress, close, strait, narrow, small," etc. And the Hebrew word tsarar was translated in various verses "adversaries" (Isa 11:13), "vexed" (Neh 9:27), "vex" (Num 33:55; Isa 11:13), "oppresseth" (Num 10:9), "besiege" (Deu 28:52), "distress" (Judg 11:7), "distressed" (1 Sam 28:15), "strait" (1 Sam 13:6), "affliction" (2 Chr 33:12), "enemy" (Est 9:10), "enemies" (Psa 6:7; 31:11), "trouble" (Psa 31:9-11), etc. (Some of those same words in the previous two sets are also in the definitions of "tribulation" in various English dictionaries.) (Deu 4:30 KJV) "When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;" Some of the troubles that came upon the children of Israel might have been sent by the LORD but came from their enemies; unless a person sinned (2 Sam 24:10-17), was a rebel (Num 14:1-12; Josh 22:15-20) or the enemy (Exo 23:22; 1 Sam 28:15-18), then they could have came from God (Psa 108:13; 2 Th 1:6). The children of Israel had a choice either be destroyed or not. The LORD used their enemies (Ezek 39:23-26) to punish them (Isa 10:5-6), because at times they were disobedient and rebellious (Neh 9:24-38), and had provoked (Deu 32:16; Isa 65:3) Him (Jer 32:28-36) to jealousy (1 Ki 14:22) and to (wrath) anger (Ezra 5:12; Psa 78:56). Eventually the children of Israel perished from off the land, their habitation was destroyed, and the LORD scattered them among the nations where they served gods, the work of man's hands (Deu 4:25-28). In the latter days when the children of Israel will be in tribulation and all the things come upon them, if they will turn to Him and be obedient, the LORD will not forsake or destroy them, or forget the covenant of their fathers (Deu 4:30-31). (Deu 4:31 KJV) "(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them." Another verse that refers to Israel's (Jacob's) trouble (which will be none like it), after the children of Israel return to their land (Jer 30:8-11), is found in Jeremiah 30:7. There the Hebrew word tsarah (feminine of tsar) was translated "trouble," and in other verses "affliction" (2 Chr 20:9), "anguish" (Gen 42:21), "distress" (Gen 35:3), "tribulation" (Judg 10:14; 1 Sam 26:24), "trouble" (Neh 9:27), "adversary" (1 Sam 1:6), "adversity" (2 Sam 4:9), etc. (Jer 30:7 KJV) "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." Another verse that refers to a time of trouble that will be unmatched is found in Daniel 12:1. Tsarah again was translated "trouble." (Dan 12:1 KJV) "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Now, consider this, in the Webster's New World Dictionary, I found that tsar, tzar or czar is an emperor, title of any of the former emperors of Russia, an autocrat, despot, absolute ruler. That will make the Hebrew word tsar seem more familiar if you can grasp what it would be like living under a dictatorship. You can apply that to help get an even better understanding of what the Word of God is saying. From the Enemy In studying the Hebrew words tsar, tsarar and tsarah in various passages of the Bible, you should have learned that at times they could mean troubles that came from the enemy. God uses things as such to prove (Psa 66:8-12), to refine (Isa 48:9-11), to purge (Dan 11:33-35 14) and to turn (1 Ki 8:33-40) His people (2 Chr 33:9-17), but they are not necessarily anger directly from Him, that which befalls the enemy (Psa 97:3-5; Nahum 1:1-3). N.T. on Tribulation In the N.T. the Greek word thlipsis (from the word thlibo) was translated "tribulation, trouble, afflict, anguish, burdened, persecution," etc. And the Greek word thlibo was translated in various verses "afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble," etc. You are beginning to learn that the Greek words thlipsis and thlibo, without elements of "adversary, enemy, foe," etc., and the previous Hebrew words tsar, tsarar and tsarah have similar translated words. Note: The adversary (1 Pet 5:8-9), enemy (Mat 13:25) and foe (Acts 2:34-35), and Satan (John 12:31) and his angels, who have been cast out of heaven to the earth (Rev 12:7-10), have no more access into the kingdom, or power over those (without their consent) who have received (Luke 18:16-17) and entered the kingdom (John 3:5). Jesus cast out devils (Mat 12:25-30), and now Christians in His name can cast them out (Mark 16:17-18). Satan may not work within our hearts (1 John 4:1-6), but he sure can bring about havoc from without. After Jesus talked about the abomination of desolation (Mark 13:14-18), spoken of by Daniel (Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) the prophet in Matthew 24:15-20, He briefly talked about great tribulation. It complements the trouble that is mentioned in Jeremiah 30:7 and Daniel 12:1. There the Greek word thlipsis was translated "tribulation," and in a similar account in Mark 13:19, it was translated "affliction" instead of "tribulation." (Mat 24:21 KJV) "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Mark 13:19 KJV) "For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." And within the context of His message, in Matthew 24:29 He mentioned the "Tribulation," which was also translated from thlipsis. This end time unmatched great tribulation (trouble) occurs prior to the Second Advent (Mat 24:29-30). (Mat 24:29-30 KJV) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: {30} And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. " (Mark 13:24-26 KJV) "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, {25} And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. {26} And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." Shall Have Tribulation Jesus said, "...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but to be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 KJV). thlipsis again was translated "tribulation." (John 16:33 KJV) "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." We will have tribulation and suffer persecution, but that does not mean the wrath of God. Narrow Is the Way (Mat 7:14) Jesus said, "narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life." The Greek word thlibo was translated "narrow," and other verses in this study "afflicted, suffer tribulation, trouble." The way that leads to life is "narrow," which is very troublesome. I do not believe many Christians have grasped what it means to go that way. Jesus is the way (John 14:6), and it is not easy following Him. (Mat 7:14 KJV) "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Tribulation, Persecution, Affliction or Temptation Comes In Matthew 13:21, thlipsis was translated "tribulation." (Mat 13:20-21 KJV) "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." In a similar account in Mark 4:17 it was translated "affliction" instead of "tribulation." (Mark 4:16-17 KJV) "And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; {17} And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." With the Matthew, Mark, and also Luke accounts, we can better understand what the Greek is saying, and the message God desires to convey. (Luke 8:13 KJV) "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." The ones who receive the seed (Word) into stony (petrodes:G4075) places (Mat 13:20-21) or on stony ground (Mark 4:16-17) and have no root are offended (enticed to sin, apostatize) when tribulation, persecution or affliction arises (comes) because of the Word, and the ones who receive the Word on the rock and have no root fall away in time of temptation (Luke 8:13). Note: But the ones who receive the seed (Word) into the good ground -- who have truly repented, know (Heb 8:11 13) and love God (Deu 6:5-6 11), believe that Jesus is the Christ 2 the Son of God (Mat 16:13-16), have Jesus as Lord and Savior (1 Cor 12:3 1) -- will remain in Him (John 15:5-8), continue in His Word (John 8:31-32) and bear fruit (Mat 13:23). If you just believe in one God (James 2:19) and know Jesus is the Son of God, consider that the devils do also (Luke 8:26-39 3). So many Christians are being deceived today. Believe they will not have any troubles after salvation, and when they reach a particular point in their life, assume they are going off on some honeymoon and receive (Mat 19:28-30; Mark 10:29-31) rewards (Mat 5:12 4) before they are refined (Mal 3:1-3) and tried (Zec 13:7-9 14), and worthy (Mat 10:37-39 5). In essence only the Lord (Rev 4:9-11) and the Lamb are worthy (Rev 5:11-14) who make us who we are. Paul Knew Christians Were Going to Suffer and Have Tribulations Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 1:1), knew before hand what great things he would suffer (2 Cor 11:23-33) for Jesus' name sake (Acts 9:15-16). (Acts 9:15-16 KJV) "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: {16}For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Paul is an excellent example of one living through persecution, suffering and tribulation. After he had been stoned and left for dead outside of the city of Lystra (Acts 14:8), he returned to the cities, "...confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorted them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation [thlipsis] enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:19-22 KJV). (Acts 14:19-22 KJV) "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, {22} Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Christian Tribulations and Unrighteous Tribulations Those who obey unrighteousness upon them anger, indignation, wrath, trouble (Psa 78:49-50), tribulation and anguish (Rom 2:8-11). But he who works what is good, unto him glory, honor, and peace. In Christ we have peace, but in the world we will have tribulation (John 16:33). (Rom 2:8-11 KJV) "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, {9} Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; {10} But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: {11} For there is no respect of persons with God." Tribulations can have positive effects in our lives. Medicine is sometimes hard to swallow; however, it can be good for us, because "...tribulation [thlipsis] produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom 5:3-4 NKJV). (Rom 5:3-5 KJV) "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; {4} And patience, experience; and experience, hope: {5} And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Separate Us from the Love of Christ? (Rom 8:35-39) Paul was persuaded that nothing, not even tribulation (thlipsis) was "...able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:35-39 KJV) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? {36} As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. {37} Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. {38} For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, {39} Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Be Patient in Tribulation (Rom 12:10-13) Paul tells the Saints in Rome (Rom 1:7) to be patient in tribulation (thlipsis). (Rom 12:10-13 KJV) "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; {11} Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; {12} Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; {13} Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Comforts Us in All Our Tribulation (2 Cor 1:3-7) Paul tells the Saints in Corinth and all Achaia (2 Cor 1:1-2) that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...comforts us in all our tribulation (thlipsis). (2 Cor 1:3-4 KJV) "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; {4} Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble [thlipsis], by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Cor 1:5-7 KJV) "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. {6} And whether we be afflicted [thlibo], it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. {7} And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." Our Light Affliction (2 Cor 4:16-17) Also to the Saints in Corinth and all Achaia, Paul said, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor 4:16-17 KJV). The word "affliction" is from the same Greek word thlipsis, from where the words "tribulation" and "trouble" were translated. Joyful in All Tribulation (2 Cor 7:4-7) Paul was filled with comfort. He was exceeding joyful in all tribulation (thlipsis). When in Macedonia, he and his companions in their bodies had no rest. They were troubled (thlibo) on every side... God comforted them by the coming of Titus. (2 Cor 7:4-7 KJV) "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. {5} For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. {6} Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; {7} and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more." We Should Suffer Tribulation Paul told the Thessalonica brethren (1 Th 1:1) before hand that suffering tribulation (thlibo) was inevitable (1 Th 3:4). (1 Th 3:4 KJV) "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." Endured Persecutions and Tribulations (2 Th 1:3-5) Paul boasted among the churches of God about the Thessalonians' patience and faith in all their persecutions and tribulations (thlipsis) that they endured. (2 Th 1:3-5 KJV) "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; {4} So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: {5} Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:" Tribulation and Vengeance from God Those who trouble (thlibo) us will have tribulation (thlipsis) recompensed (2 Th 1:6) from God (Luke 18:6-8). (2 Th 1:6 KJV) "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;" Note: There is a just God that sees every action, and with His Word is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12-13). The Christians who are troubled (thlibo) can rest, for the Lord will be the one to take "...vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Th 1:8 KJV). (2 Th 1:7-9 KJV) "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, {8} In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: {9} Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;" Companion in Tribulation (Rev 1:9) John the Beloved, who "...was the only apostle who escaped a violent death," also knew troubled times and was a companion in tribulation (thlipsis). "From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by a miracle, without injury. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation." After you read the accounts of John and others in Fox’s Book of Martyrs, you will find, compared to them, an American Christian has such an easy journey. (Rev 1:9 KJV) "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." Smyrna's Tribulation (Rev 2:8-10) A time of testing was coming for the church in Smyrna. The devil will cast some of them into prison that they may be tried; and they will have tribulation (anguish, burdened, persecution, trouble) ten days. (Rev 2:8-10 KJV) "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; {9} I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. {10} Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Note: When a Christian is tried, endures temptation (James 1:12) and is faithful unto death (Rev 2:10), he will receive a crown of life. Into Great Tribulation (Rev 2:18, 22) As for the unrepentant adulterers of the church in Thyatira, God will cast them into great tribulation. (Rev 2:18, 22 KJV) "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira... {22} Behold, I will cast her [Jezebel] into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds." Escape, Keep from and Protected Can a person escape Jacob's trouble (Jer 30:7), the Great Tribulation, the hour of temptation talked about in (Revelation 3:10), which will come upon the entire world? The Lord told the church in Philadelphia that He "will keep thee from the hour of temptation," because they had kept the word of His patience. At one time I assumed "keep thee from" meant "escape from," but now I do not believe that is what is being said. "Kept" and "keep" were both translated from the same Greek word tereo (G5083), and according to Strong's Dictionary, it means "to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon)." God has not taken His Word out of this world, and He will not take the Church out before the hour of temptation either. (Rev 3:7, 10 KJV) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia... {10} Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." The temptation, which will come upon the entire world, will try them that dwell upon the earth. Have the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan 3:24-27) and go through the fire no matter how hot it might get. If you need to be proven, continue to show your faith and love for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, even if tortured, not accepting deliverance -- in so doing will obtain a better resurrection (Heb 11:35). Note: If you are one who received the seed (Word) into stony places (Mat 13:20-21) or on stony ground (Mark 4:16-17), or on the rock (Luke 8:13) and has no root, you will surely need to be tested; so why not now get your heart right with God and be guarded from those things which will come upon the entire world. I believe the only way to escape the latter day trouble and temptation will have to die before then or be the woman (Israel) in Revelation 12:6 to "...fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time [1260 days], from the face of the serpent" (Rev 12:14 KJV), saved out of Jacob's trouble (Jer 30:7). During that hour, some Israelites will receive special protection. Children of God are washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:13-14 6) and are sealed (John 6:27) with His Holy Spirit. The 144 thousand in Revelation 7:1-8 will be specially sealed in their foreheads. And the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3-13 surely have God's protection, because they will be the ones prophesying, turning waters to blood and smiting the earth with plagues (Rev 11:6) -- during the sounding of the first six trumpets (Rev 8:1-9:21; 10:7; 11:14-15) -- similar to how it was done in Egypt (Exo 7-13) before the Exodus. Troubles can better each of us now (Rom 5:3-5) and for the world to come (Mark 10:28-31). (James 1:12 KJV) "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (1 Pet 4:12-13 KJV) "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: {13} But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (Heb 11:35 KJV) "Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:" Accounted Worthy (Luke 21:36) (Luke 21:36 KJV) "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." I desire to be accounted worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Th 1:3-5), to suffer shame for his name (Acts 5:40-42), to obtain the world to come and the resurrection from the dead (Luke 20:34-36), to escape (flee) all the things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). To be able to be there before the throne, we will have to be accounted worthy. 5 Through Troubles Stand for the faith through those troubled times, even unto death. Let us be one who received seed into the good ground where it takes root and brings forth (Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15). Remain in Him (John 15:4-8) and continue in His Word (John 8:31-32). Do not look back (Luke 9:62) like Lot's wife did in Genesis 19:26. Paul knew all what he was to go through (Acts 9:15-16); nonetheless, he fought a good fight all the way home (Tim 1:1, 5-8). Christians have a loving Heavenly Father who goes with us every step of the way to glory
(Psa 73:24-25). Through the troubles
(Psa 46:1-3 12) we get to know Him that much better. We might go through much tribulation
(Acts 14:21-22) and maybe through the Great Tribulation; nonetheless, we have nothing to fear
(Psa 91). We need to let tribulations be a tool in God's hand. But for all those who do not want to repent, God’s judgment and wrath are inevitable. Like said before, I would much rather be refined
Bringing in the Sheaves When standing before our Savior, I desire to have a crown (2 Sam 12:30; Rev 3:11) full of precious (Psa 116:15) stones (Zec 9:16; 1 Pet 2:2-8) to place at our Saviors' feet. People from all walks of life, which include loved ones, friends and former enemies, should be there before His throne. I do not want to go empty handed (Deu 16:16-17). While we have daylight and still a chance before the Tribulation night, we need to be more like our Savior (John 9:4-5) winning souls (Mat 9:37-38) and seeking the lost (Luke 19:10) -- "bringing in the sheaves" (Psa 126:5-6). ("Work for the Night is Coming" Midi! "bringing in the sheaves" Midi!)Out of Great Tribulation (Rev 7:9, 10, 14) The next thing to happen, after all our troubles and the mega worldwide one is over, and Jesus has purged Dan 11:35 14) Israel, His Elect and cleansed His Church (Eph 5:26-32), we will meet Him in the clouds (Dan 7:13-14 9) after the seventh (Rev 10:7; 11:15) and last trumpet (1 Cor 15:51-54 10) sounds; hence, we will reign with Him (Rev 2:26-29 7) on the earth (Rev 5:9-10) for a thousand years (Rev 20:4-6) and in the New Jerusalem forever and ever (Rev 22:5). (Rev 7:9, 10, 14 KJV) "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms 8 in their hands; {10} And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. {14} ...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Rev 15:2 KJV) "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God." (Rev 20:4-5 KJV) "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. {5} But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection." Be of Good Cheer (John 16:33) Note: Whether our tribulations are great or small, global or local, all God's children go through the refining fires that tribulations bring. Some Christians are in denial of trials (1 Pet 4:12-13), temptations (James 1:2-4, 12), affliction (2 Cor 4:17), troubles (Psa 54:4-7), tribulations (Rev 2:10) and some of the purposes for them (Rom 5:3-5; Heb 11:35). Again, Jesus said in John 16:33, "...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." In Him we have peace -- and so much to look forward to and should be cheerful. References:
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