I were looking into the definition of Megas thlipsis - being "Great Tribulation" as defined in the NT Bible.
Something that has weighed on me , is when Brother Michael from COT has defined "Great Tribulation" as "Life"
For example , the person who has lost everything, become addicted, at deaths doorstep several times , then by the Grace & Mercy of Our Father , they find Jesus Christ.
Has this person not been through "Great Tribulation" in their lives already ?
I would agree with Brother Michael & say "yes"
So then what does " Megas thlipsis" mean in context?
The definition of "Megas" resounds to me as "numerous quantities, large & abundant"
The definition of "thlipsis" resounds to me as
"Pressing , pressing together, pressure"
So when I see "Great Tribulation" now mentioned in the Bible - I now see a collective of "numerous situations of events, both physical & spiritual"
Looking around us , is this not what we are seeing ?
Increase of Wars
Increase of Weather Events
Increase of Earthquakes
Increase of Inequity
Increase of relational breakdown
Romans 3:4 KJV — God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
I think that to partake in anothers suffering is deeply binding to the relationship. It could even cause one to lay down ones life and Jesus said there is no greater love. We are promised that should we live Godly we will be percecuted. 2 Tim 3.12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, Jesus did not present following Him as an easy road but in deed a way of death. Jesus seems to comfort the afflicted and afflict toe comfortable. The truth is if we embrace this life we lose it but if we die to it we find it. If webecome more like Jesus we will like Him desire the Fathers will and not our own. It is through dying and being buried with Him that we rise in His life anew. The fact is that it is in affliction thet we cry out to the Lord and are changed. Who would have thought affliction could be our greatest blessing for a season. We are told Rom 8. 17And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. We are told that trials test us and grow our faith and relationship to God. We were advised before considering following Jesus we should count the cost. This is the way of the way we walk. This is the way of Truth and Life. It is this way at present for this is a fallen world. As we grow we move more towards a mature understanding of all such things perhaps a bit like this ....... James 1. 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ....... Now as for Great Tribulation we are told it will be a time Mat 24 ... unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. We are also instructed in Matt 24 that to understand the period of time we must understand it as mentioned in the Book of Daniel. The prophets spoke much of this specific time in the history and prupose of creation. Often called the Day of the Lord. In another place the time of Jscobs distress... Jer 30. 7How awful that day will be!
None will be like it!
It is the time of Jacob’s distress,
but he will be saved out of it.
8On that day,
declares the LORD of Hosts,
I will break the yoke off their necks
and tear off their bonds,
and no longer will strangers enslave them.
9Instead, they will serve the LORD their God
and David their king,
whom I will raise up for them.
Such a climax in Gods purpose. Such a defining moment fortold in the future of Israels relationship with her God. Perhaps we might ask ....... what is the purpose in it....... what is God acomplishing by it.
As I get older I slow down when I read. I desire the Lord to teach me. To reveal what He would. There is so much deeper understanding He gives. The Holy Spirit confirms with connections in His Word.
Here is a good example
Rom 1. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
To the Jew first
To the Jew first
To the Jew first
Thy will Father, not mine.
Help me Lord.
Much love