Revelation

Revelation 7:9-14 gives us a picture of a great many people gathered around the throne of God Almighty, worshiping and praising Him. They are all dressed in garments of white.Verses 13 and 14 give us this bit of information:

"13. Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, 'Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?'
"14. And I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' So he said to me, 'These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'"

Thirty some years ago when I first turned my life over to God Almighty through Jesus Christ, there was a popular conception that these were solely people who lived in communist countries who were being persecuted every day.

Today, however, as I look around our world, I sense that a different tribulation is coming upon us. Every day we see new events taking place that demonstrate Christianity is coming under oppression.

In Europe, Christian churches and Jewish synagogues are being burned. In the middle east we are seeing more and more stories of Christians being beaten and either killed or left for dead.

In our own country, it is against the law to speak of Jesus Christ in public schools, yet, more and more public schools are setting aside time for Muslim prayer, and training.

Children are punished, in the public schools, for talking about their faith in Jesus Christ.

We hear from professionals that teaching children about Jesus Christ is essentially child abuse. Why, even taking a child to Sunday School or church is tantamount to kidnapping.

Our elected officials speak of Christians as being backward; some even consider them to be pickup driving, tobacco chewing,flag waving, rednecks.

We hear of planning sessions being held to figure out how to get the "Christian" vote without being too Christian.

Television programs routinely depict Christians as being ignorant, and socially unacceptable.

Which brings me to the thought I am working on: Are we now, entering into the last days, as forecast in the book of Revelation?

Are we seeing the beginning of the great tribulation?

A large percentage of the American population claim to be Christian.

When push comes to shove, when the rubber finally meets the road, how many of these Christians will be willing, or ready to stand for their faith?

May God have mercy on our souls.