Disobedient Preparedness
God Grants Favor To Those Who Do It HIS Way
Zack was a detail man. “A place for everything and everything in its place” was his motto. He also prided himself on being prepared for anticipated events. The topic of the tribulation under the rule of antichrist was included in the list of events for which to be prepared. As a result, Zack had a 35-page document providing him with suggestions as to what to say (and what not to say) when this period of intense persecution hit. We take up Zack’s story only three months later.
“Zack, you’re wrong! Yes, it’s good to be prepared for things, but in this case you’re not heeding what the Word of God clearly says about this matter. We are NOT to prepare ahead of time what to say when we are brought before these people administrating the system of the antichrist. The Bible not only clearly states His people are not to do so, but it goes on to promise that answers will be given to those in Him—who don’t prepare a script—the very hour they have opportunity to speak. Yes, this does involve further trust, but that’s what our Lord has outlined for His obedient people.” Maria tried to be kind in tone, but she also wanted to communicate important urgency at the same time.
“You know,” Zack countered, “God wants us to have an answer for those who ask for a reason in support of the hope that is within us. He doesn’t want us to walk blindly into these settings. While I confess I don’t have an answer to this concern you’re raising—which really bothers me!—I do know God is gracious and will allow us our contributions.”
Since he didn’t seem teachable, Maria wisely discontinued the effort. She’d spent too much time on this already—actually trying for weeks to persuade Zack to see things a bit differently. As a result, she turned away, saddened by Zack’s rejection of what Scripture clearly taught.
Well, Zack’s time came. Only three days after the conversation with Maria, Zack found himself preparing to defend his position concerning why his commitment to Jesus Christ was firm. This included rejecting the one-world system’s many demands. Zack was ready to debate.
During the presentation of his case, Zack found himself enjoying an occasional “Amen!” to his points by a few of the spectators who had also gathered that day. ("Their hour of delibaration must follow mine," he thought.) He was quite confident that his quality preparations and the way in which he was presenting his case would sway the listening audience. Well, it did further justify the position of unwilling cooperation with the new global order, at first anyway. By the time he was finished, he sat down apparently proud of himself for presenting such a fine case.
In rebutting Zack’s points, he was floored by the delivery of the ones in opposition. By the end of their time countering just about everything he had raised, Zack even found himself with new doubts, for the arguments of the opposition were such that they seemed flawless. Some of the others in the hearing room that day (who sided with Zack) were even more flustered. Who knows how they ended up responding following the meeting.
Zack went back to his cell. As he reflected on the hour—it actually ended up lasting over six hours—he found himself becoming angry. The intensity was unexplainable. Never before had Zack been so angry with the Lord. “YOU LET ME DOWN, MISERABLY, LORD. How can you fail to respond? Why did you allow such a thing? I’ve been zealous in everything I’ve done for you. I’ve tried to be that faithful apologist your spirit can use in every situation. WHY!?”
Maria’s cell was behind his and she heard everything. Though she was not a part of the hearing earlier that day, she knew what had just transpired. “Oh Lord, in Your mercy and grace, please allow me the right words … Your words … as I seek to help Zack in this needy hour.”
Carefully, softly, Maria whispered, “Zack, please confess your disobedience in failing to heed what our Lord has clearly outlined. Please.”
Zack didn’t respond.
The next day, still without having resumed conversation with Zack, Maria went into the same courtroom Zack had been in the day before. Maria’s hearing lasted less than an hour. She allowed the Holy Spirit of God to speak through her in such a way she knew her Lord Jesus was exalted. You’d be shocked if you were to read a script of what she had said. But that’s not ours to share.
Maria never returned to her cell. Zack knew where she went as a result of the judgment of the wicked pawns of darkness. In His sovereignty, God saw her safely Home whereby not a hair on her head had perished. Glory to His name.
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"But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Mark 13:9-13; ESV)