I believe we may well be living in a time much like Jeremiah the prophet described as, “Jacob’s Trouble.”
“For thus says the Lord, ‘We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see, whether a man is ever in labor with child? So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins like a woman in labor, and all faces turned pale? Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. “For it shall come to pass in that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘That I will break his yoke from your neck, and will burst your bonds; foreigners shall no more enslave them. But they shall serve the Lord their God. Jeremiah 30:5-9
However, the David in Psalms 24 has a prophetic word for those who experience such a time of trouble.
The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to vanity (idolatry), nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah Psalms 24 – A Psalm of David
What do we, who live in the Jacob Generation do?
First, this will be a generation of those who seek the face of the Lord – not just knowing about Him, but becoming so close that you can see His face.
Second, if you meet the qualifi cations something wonderful will happen. What are those three qualifi cations? Very simple, but not easy in this culture!
• You must have clean hands – have not harmed others
• You must have a pure heart – have no hidden motives or agendas other than God’s
• You must not be driven by ego or be self promoting
What will happen to Christians in the Jacob Generation?
1. First, there will be a much clearer defi nition of the term Christian – it will not include the current acceptance of “lukewarm” as it is included now.
2. You will ascend the Hill of the Lord or be elevated or promoted above those around you.
3. You will live in the thick, Holy presence of God. That means you will hear Him and be guided by Him.
4. The Gates of Heaven will open to you. Those spiritual questions that have been diffi cult to understand or know will become easy to understand.
5. The everlasting or ancient doors will open – meaning – Ancient, spiritual truths that have been hidden for a long time will be revealed.
6. The might, strength and power of the Lord and His hosts will come into your circumstances and situations to fi ght on your behalf.
7. Finally, the Glory of the Lord will rest in your house – Selah or think about that!
