John the Baptist, I am not. Not even close. Yet, from time to time, I feel like “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye…”
When I think, reflect, and pray, I sense an upcoming season of significant disruption and the need to be prepared. If it turns out that I am 110% wrong, I’ll have a few extra bottles of water, bags of jerky, and tea bags. If it turns out I am right, my wife, children, and grandchildren will be thankful.
By the way, everyone needs emergency supplies for natural disasters or supply chain failures. For example, our Alaskan members are strongly encouraged to be earthquake-prepared. The Municipality of Anchorage’s “Earthquake Preparedness” website is a fabulous place to begin preparedness learning. Additionally, the Municipality of Anchorage recommends for each home to have a “Disaster Supply Kit.” Their recommendations include the following:
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Five to seven days of non-perishable food
- Medicines
- Emergency supplies – Batteries, flashlights, hand-cranked radio, matches, firewood, etc.
I have a few ideas about being prepared for a potential season of disruption. Matthew 24 frames my perspective.
| 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” | PRINCIPLE ONE The wise Christian is asking key questions about the timeline of God. |
| 4 And Jesus answered them | PRINCIPLE TWO The wise Christian expects the Holy Spirit’s real-time response. |
| “See that no one leads you astray. | PRINCIPLE THREE Do not be led astray by distraction, blindness, or deception. |
| 5and they will lead many astray. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray | PRINCIPLE FOUR Be extremely careful with prophecy (especially if they are trying to sell you a product or control your decisions). |
| 6 See that you are not alarmed | PRINCIPLE FIVE Do NOT be afraid! Fear isn’t a presence. It is the absence of faith. Build your faith from the Word of God! |
| 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. | PRINCIPLE SIX Keep your love for God, His kingdom, and your neighbor HOT. Maintain your spiritual fervor, fever, and fire. |
| 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved | PRINCIPLE SEVEN Practice endurance all the way to the end. We are not of those who quit! Guard against backsliding. Consider Psalm 19:13, “Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.” |
| 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. | PRINCIPLE EIGHT Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom throughout the whole world. This is our finest hour. Preach, proclaim, declare, and demonstrate the gospel of the kingdom. |
| 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! | PRINCIPLE NINE Be PREPARED! 1. As best you are able, have extra cash on hand, in a safe place. 2. Have mobility options – ways to get from point A to point B without fuel. 3. Be prepared for normal communication system disruptions – have creative ways to communicate. 4. Have extra food on hand. 5. Have a way to generate a small amount of electrical power. 6. Have as much of your medicines on hand as your doctor will allow. 7. Have plenty of water. |
| Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. | PRINCIPLE TEN Pray, pray, and then pray some more. |