The Coming Judgment: Are You Ready?

In a world that seems to be spiraling further into chaos and darkness with each passing day, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But as believers, we have a hope that transcends the troubles of this world - the promise of Christ's return and the establishment of His kingdom. However, this promise also comes with a sobering reality: judgment is coming.
Today, let's reflect on this weighty topic and consider what it means for our lives and our eternal destinies.
The Vision of Four Chariots
In the book of Zechariah, chapter 6, we find a powerful vision of four chariots emerging from between two bronze mountains. Each chariot is pulled by horses of different colors - red, black, white, and dappled. This vision speaks of God's judgment that will come at the end times.
The bronze mountains symbolize judgment, as bronze in the Bible often represents God's dealings with sin. From the very construction of the tabernacle to John's vision of Jesus in Revelation, bronze consistently points to judgment and finality.
These chariots are sent out to different parts of the earth, with specific focus on the north and south. Historically, Israel's greatest threats came from these directions - Assyria and Babylon to the north, Egypt to the south. Even today, many of Israel's challenges come from these regions.
But what does this ancient vision mean for us today?
A World in Need of Awakening
As we look around, it's clear that our world is in desperate need of a spiritual awakening. We've witnessed a steady decline in morality and an increase in wickedness. Things that were once unthinkable have become commonplace:

• Schools and churches are no longer safe havens
• Doors that were once left unlocked now require multiple security measures
• Children can't play outside freely as they once did
• Bullying has taken on new, more insidious forms through social media
• Violence and corruption seem to be on the rise everywhere we look

It's easy to fall into despair when we see these trends. But as followers of Christ, we're called to be light in the darkness. We must pray fervently for our young people, disciple them, encourage them, and teach them the ways of the Lord.
The Urgency of Salvation
In light of the coming judgment, there's an urgency to the message of salvation that we cannot ignore. We don't know when Christ will return, but we know with certainty that He will. And when He does, there will be a final reckoning.
This isn't about scaring people into faith. It's about recognizing the reality of our situation and the incredible gift that God has offered us in Christ. He sent His only Son to die for us because He loves us and doesn't want anyone to perish. Even before we were created, God loved us and had a plan for our redemption.
But here's the sobering truth: while God's love is unconditional, salvation requires our response. We must each individually choose to accept Christ as our Savior. No one else can make this decision for us - not our parents, not our spouse, not our pastor. It's a deeply personal choice between each person and God.
The Myth of the Easy Christian Life
It's important to dispel a common misconception: becoming a Christian doesn't mean life suddenly becomes easy. In fact, following Christ often means facing new challenges and opposition. But it does mean having the presence and power of God to help us navigate life's storms.
The Christian life is not about avoiding difficulties; it's about facing them with faith, hope, and the assurance of God's love and guidance.
A Call to Action
So, what should our response be to this message of coming judgment and the offer of salvation?

1. Examine your heart: Only you and God truly know where you stand. Take time to honestly assess your relationship with Him.
2. Don't delay: If you've been putting off a decision to follow Christ, now is the time to act. We aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
3. Share the message: If you're already a believer, recognize the responsibility we have to share this good news with others. Their eternal destiny could depend on it.
4. Live with purpose: Knowing that judgment is coming should motivate us to live intentionally, making the most of every opportunity to glorify God and serve others.
5. Pray for revival: Our world desperately needs a spiritual awakening. Pray for God to move powerfully in our communities, nations, and world.
6. Disciple the next generation: Invest in young people, teaching them the ways of the Lord and equipping them to stand firm in their faith.
7. Stay alert and ready: Live each day as if it could be the day of Christ's return. Keep your spiritual lamps filled and burning brightly.

A Future Hope
While the reality of coming judgment is sobering, for those who are in Christ, it's also a source of great hope. It means that one day, all wrongs will be made right. Evil will be defeated once and for all. God's perfect justice and mercy will prevail.
For now, we live in the tension of the "already but not yet" - citizens of heaven living as ambassadors on earth. Let's make the most of this time, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Remember, God is not willing that any should perish. His heart is for all to come to repentance and find life in Him. Will you answer His call today? Will you join in His mission to reach the lost and make disciples?
The choice is yours. The time is now. Judgment is coming - but so is salvation for all who will receive it. Where will you stand when that day comes?