Jude 17-21      “But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” ¹⁹ These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. ²⁰ But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”

This is the day the LORD has made, and we have the choice, opportunity, and ability to rejoice and be glad in it.  Rejoicing like love is a choice!

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, the thought of the ‘Eternal Now’ filled my mind.   In Jude 17-21, we have a reminder and warning about that time called “The Last Days.”   In verses 20-21, he gives us the pathway to preservation and living in the ‘Eternal Now.’

In Revelation 1:9, John uses some specifically chosen words we need to see. John identified himself as a brother to all believers (Christians).  He identified himself as a fellow participant in difficulty (trials, tests, tribulations).  Also, a participant in the Kingdom.  We skip over that and miss the reality that the ‘Eternal Now’ includes the presence of God’s rule & reign.  Then he says, “in perseverance.”  The indispensable element in living in the ‘Eternal Now.’

The Church at Ephesus was commended for its service, perseverance, and diligence. They exposed false apostles, prophets, and teachers.   BUT, in their pursuit of keeping the church pure, they moved away from the one thing that keeps the church the church – LOVE!  They became legalistic, heresy hunters rather than dispensers of God’s love, which reconciled.

The church at Pergamum was following Balaam’s teachings.  They were ruled by a human spirit rather than the Holy Spirit. They allowed a “me” spirit to prevail.  

The church at Thyatira had love, faith, deeds, service, and perseverance. BUT they allowed the Jezebel spirit to influence and manipulate them. The Jezebel spirit includes a controlling, dominating, intimidating, and manipulating spirit.  It does not have to be gender. It is not about the external but the heart. Revelation 2:22 – “Behold, I will cast her into a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into Great Tribulation, UNLESS they repent of HER DEEDS.”

The thought of the ‘Eternal Now’ reminds me, inspires me, and compels me to desire to give myself fully to God, reject everything not of Him, and manifest Him NOW!  We are not living for SOMEDAY.  We are living NOW, and He lives in us.

Let’s make the goal of life HIM.   Let’s resist all temptation to develop a “me” attitude or allow the flesh to control.  Let’s pursue life in the ‘Eternal Now.’ Jesus is eternally the same, and as He is, so are we in this world NOW!

LORD, help us to live now as we want to live then!