Surrounding Sounds

Part 2

Jack Davis

“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost…So that ye were ensamples to all that believe…For from you sounded out the word of the Lord.” I Thes. 1:5-8.

These to whom Paul wrote had their spiritual ears on, they had given the more earnest heed to the things they had the privilege of hearing. Those true and living sounds, were significant to them, they appropriated the message, it entered into them. These saints, like the strings on a violin were in tune or in harmony with heaven being put under pressure. The apostle Paul was thankful and so are we that they not only heard the sound of salvation, but also sounded it out.

Today, it seems that more and more are becoming dull of hearing, from neglecting to hear or give attention to God’s Word. Does it not seem that Amos 8:11, is again and again being fulfilled as it is in every dispensation?

SOUNDS OF PREPARATION

We do well to consider what sounds that surround us today signify. What are we aware of or listening to? There are many noises that we could get unduly exercised about, but we are told to exercise ourselves rather unto godliness. He that came from heaven as of a sound of a rushing mighty wind, is speaking in the church and in the world today. Who has ears to hear? He speaks expressly concerning the “latter times.” He forewarns us of the prevailing conditions with which our age will close (I Tim. 4, and II Tim. 3). It is my guess that the voice of the (turtle dove) Holy Spirit is being heard around the world saying, “O get ready evening shadows fall.” Rom. 13:10-14.

Jesus said, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many. (Have we heard of such in our day? Oh yes repeatedly). And ye shall  hear of wars and rumours of wars…nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” – Mt. 24:4-8.

Have you heard of any thing such as these? How loud are the sounds of Jesus coming? Is the Spirit and the bride saying come? Is anyone hearing the voice of that heavenly Solomon, saying “Arise my love my fair one and come away?” The voice of our beloved, by some is being heard. In our tests, trials, and triumphs He beckons us on.

John the Baptist proclaimed that he rejoiced to hear the bridegroom’s voice John. 3:29. “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him” Mt. 25:6. According to Paul‘s epistles before the midnight call, some believers will have already been gathered unto Him, for they have been listening to his voice for some time. They know the times and seasons. They can easily distinguish the sounds.

SOUND OF TRANSLATION

“For the Lord himself shall descent from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of  God” I Thes. 4:16. All that be in graves will hear his voice, and shall come forth.” Jn. 5:25,29. I am prone to doubt that we will be very quiet when we leave this earthly scene. HALLELUJAH! Are you listening? One day soon you will be exceedingly glad you did. Giving the more earnest heed to Him today, is preparing for that glorious tomorrow.