The catastrophic groans of the earth have risen and intensified. The devastation is consuming those that are not anchored in the foundation of the Word of God…shaking our world to its core.

This is a frightening statement indeed, but one of grievous observations of facts. We are witnesses to, and some victims of, the destruction affecting hundreds of thousands of people, devastating cities and nations through natural disasters, war, disease and terrorism. Our world is spiraling rapidly into egregious chaos and confusion.

And what is going to happen to us? Where is God? What’s next?

Psalm 2 describes a world whose leaders have turned away from God and His Anointed King (Jesus) and fallen prey to their own vanities and greed. Dictating laws and mandates that bind the people in controlled chaos. As a result the people rage, become destructive and lose hope.

“How dare the nations plan a rebellion.
    Their foolish plots are futile!^[a]
2 Look at how the power brokers of the world
    rise up to hold their summit
    as the rulers scheme and confer together
    against Yahweh and his Anointed King, saying:
³ “Let’s come together and break away from the Creator.
    Once and for all let’s cast off these controlling chains
    of God and his Christ!”^[b] (Psalm 2:1-3, TPT {The Passion Translation} )

The decision to turn away from God and His Ways have dire consequences. As these passages show the rebellion of the people, the next few verses speak of God’s response:

“God-Enthroned^[c] merely laughs at them;
    the Sovereign One mocks their madness!
⁵ Then with the fierceness of his fiery anger,
    he settles the issue^[d] and terrifies them to death^[e] with these words:
⁶ “I myself have poured out^[f] my King on Zion,^[g] my holy mountain.”^[h]

The last portion of this chapter of Psalm gives the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to all who will hear:

““Listen to me, all you rebel kings
    and all you upstart judges of the earth.
    Learn your lesson^[l] while there’s still time.
¹¹ Serve and worship the awe-inspiring God.
    Recognize his greatness and bow before him,
    trembling with reverence in his presence.^[m]
12 Fall facedown before him and kiss the Son^[n]
    before his anger is roused against you.
    Remember that his wrath can be quickly kindled!
    But many blessings are waiting for all
    who turn aside to hide themselves in him!”

The Lord has been and is preparing His Church to stand up, speak out and display His Glory in this darkened earth. Whether they know it or not, those living outside of His loving care are crying out for the Sons and Daughters of God “to be revealed” (Romans 8:19, NKJV).

It doesn’t matter what is next. We belong to God. We are His. His Son, our Savior, has overcome the world and so will we. Our divine orders have been given. It is time for us to press into the power of God by listening to His Holy Spirit and dwelling in His Presence. He is waiting for us…to answer His call and come. He wants us to receive from Him, to obey Him, to be strong “and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32, NKJV).

It is time for us, His children, to shine. We are the salt and light that the world is waiting for. Arise and Shine on your jobs, in your homes, at your churches, on the streets, in the marketplace. Arise and Shine. Be the revelation of the Glory of God everywhere you are. We have been called, equipped and favored. Don’t back away, don’t be afraid and don’t expect someone else to do what God has required of you. It is time, my brothers and sisters. It is time to Arise and Shine.

Until next post, blessings. VW1.