Times of the Nations
Luke 21:24 “They will fall by the mouth and the edge of the sword and will be led away as captives to and among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).”
This Scripture is referring to the siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. in which the Temple was destroyed and the Jewish people were dispersed throughout the world. Jesus prophesied it along with an interesting twist near the end: “…Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).”
The term “Gentile” refers to the races, nations or as the Greek reads, “the ethos,” where we get our word “ethnic.” Jerusalem will be trodden down by the nations, or races. This simply means that Jerusalem would be treated with insult, contempt, devastation, and outrage. The signal that the times of the Gentiles or nations was coming to an end flashed forth like a warning light on the dash of your automobile when Israel was miraculously restored as a nation in 1948. Since that time Jews from around the world have been slowly returning to Israel, and emerging as a world power. In my opinion, a prophecy is yet to be fulfilled which will signal the closing of this prophetic chapter.
Peter preaching on the day of Pentecost refers to a prophecy that he declared was just beginning: Acts 2:16-21 “But [instead] this is [the beginning of] what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [[a]telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions ([b]divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [[c]divinely suggested] dreams. 18 Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy [[d]telling forth the divine counsels and [e]predicting future events pertaining especially to God’s kingdom]. 19 And I will show wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth beneath, blood and fire and smoking vapor; 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the obvious day of the Lord comes—that great and notable and conspicuous and renowned [day]. 21 And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [[f]invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord—Christ] shall be saved.
He states: “But instead this is the beginning of what was spoken through the prophet Joel.” We know this is only a partial fulfillment simply because the sun hasn’t been fully darkened, nor the moon turned fully to blood, because the obvious day of the Lord – that which is “great, and notable, and conspicuous, and renowned” – has yet to occur! In fact the salvation of 3000 souls in one day was just a warm up for the global harvest that is to occur in the Last Days. Consider the following diagram:
At the Wedding of Cana in John 2 Jesus prophesies the Final Outpouring of His Spirit: “This is wonderful stuff!” he said. “You’re different from most. Usually a host uses the best wine first, and afterwards, when everyone is full and doesn’t care, then he brings out the less expensive brands. But you have kept the best for the last!” Jn. 2:10 TLB
Jesus is saving the best “Wine of His Spirit” for the “Last Days” when His Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh that many may “call upon the Name of the Lord to be saved.” This will be the indicator that the Bridegroom is returning to gather His Bride – the Church – to Himself.
On the flight home from Nicaragua I began reading a book in which its authors referred to prolonged periods of fasting seeking God for more Power in ministry. As I thought about those in our church who have been attacked in various ways by the enemy it stirred up a burden I’ve been carrying for quite some time. As the Lord’s Shepherd I am expected to see His sheep healed and protected. Ezekiel 34:1-4 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, even to the [spiritual] shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the [spiritual] shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the sheep? 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you kill the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep.4 The diseased and weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the hurt and crippled you have not bandaged, those gone astray you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought to find, but with force and hardhearted harshness you have ruled them.
Thus I began to pray about going on another fast to seek the Lord for His power to deliver His people from the assaults of the enemy. As I prayed and sought the Lord I received Scripture directing me to fasting. One particular early morning hour I was awakened realizing that if I began my fast in February it would conflict with other events. I felt directed to fast near the first week in March. I can’t tell you how encouraged I was when I read the following: At The Send, we are calling every believer to take action. So far 16,656 have committed to fasting, 2,145 commitments to reaching High Schools, 1,878 committed to Universities, 4,134 committed to reaching their neighborhood. 482 have responded to the gospel. THE WAR ON INACTION HAS BEGUN,” the organization wrote in an Instagram post.” They are inviting believers to pray and fast for 40 Days from March 1 – April 9. The Fast is called the “Jesus Fast” which invites thousands of people around the world to pray seeking God for a worldwide manifestation of Jesus the Evangelist.
When I read the dates which had been assigned I knew it confirmed what I had been hearing. Whether you agree or not, we can both agree upon one thing: this is not the time for the Church to be slumbering. We can all agree that through President Trump’s election we have received a brief reprieve, but don’t roll over and sleep just yet. The battle is only beginning for the soul of this nation. God had mercy on us as a result of the saints who turned to Him in repentance and prayer. While we’ve been sighing sighs of relief the governments of the land have legislated to murder babies even up to full term, Even recently democrats blocked to deny medical attention to babies who survive abortions. A slippery slope of descent has occurred in our nation when owls, sea turtles, and eagles have more rights than children. Before pointing the accusing finger of blame upon our country’s legislators, the Church must withdraw its condemnation. You may ask, “Why?” when surely America deserves the wrath and judgment of God. All Christians must conceded to the truth of God’s Word which states: “Judgment begins with the House of God” (1 Pet. 4:17). Like Esther of the Bible we are being called upon to step up, standing in the gap on behalf of the people. Esther’s warning from her elder cousin, and adoptive father, still applies to us today: For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
For such a time as this God is calling upon His Church to once again pray and fast, demonstrating our humility and dependence upon God. For such a time as this will we pray about joining this fast with believers from around the world? For such a time as this would you pray that God would bring spiritual reformation to His Church, Christians would be awakened to pray, awakening would come to the lost – in and outside of the Church, and a resurgence of renewal, conviction, brokenness, godly sorrow, repentance and power would come to His people? For such a time as this would you pray that God would shut down the money-making industry of murdering babies as a form of birth control, and that men across America and the west would awaken to their responsibility to defend the weak, the mothers and children? Would you pray that men everywhere would begin to take their rightful places spiritually being positioned as husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders in the church and world? Would you pray that once again that this nation would repent and turn to Jesus before the future of this great nation is forever destroyed?
God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for 10 righteous. There are more than 10 righteous persons in this nation. But remember God still went looking for a Abraham to pray and intercede on behalf of the land. The Old Testament is filled with the warnings: Ezek. 22:30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.
Isa. 64:7 And no one calls on Your name and awakens and bestirs himself to take and keep hold of You; for You have hidden Your face from us and have delivered us into the [consuming] power of our iniquities. If you are believing that God is calling you to this fast consider the guidelines below. God bless you.
BASIC GUIDELINE TO FASTING AND PRAYER
With this call to enter into extended fasting, we must prepare ourselves adequately so that the fast can honor God and fulfill its purpose. I want to share some thoughts from our own experiences to help and encourage you.
1. Seek medical advice if you are older or have health challenges
2. Fast and pray to humble yourself and purify your worship
In Fasting we are not trying to get something from God; we are seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His. We do holy violence to the “pleasures which wage war against the soul,” opening the way for a greater submission to the Holy Spirit. Lust is a perverse form of devotion. Fasting enables us to cleanse the sanctuary of our hearts from such idols.
3. Take time to pray and read the Word
This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from devotions. Reading books with testimonies of victories gained through fasting will encourage you. Register at TheJesusFast.com to schedule your fast and receive encouragements by email.
4. Have a clear target for prayer focus
Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal), the people perish. During a fast, I have four or five prayer goals I have clearly articulated. When I am not deeply motivated by a clear goal, I usually fast until break-fast! Write down your vision so you can run with it.
5. Do the fast with someone else
Two are better than one! We encourage young people to talk this through with their parents before starting the fast. Parents and kids should consider fasting together.
6. Do not give in to condemnation if you fail
The “to fast or not to fast” dilemma can be a major tool of the enemy. Even though you may fail several times, God always extends grace. Hit reset and resume right where you left off.
7. Husbands and wives, consider sexual abstinence for the sake of prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5)
8. Determine the length in advance of the fast, not after you start
• A total fast is without water. This is extremely hard on the body. Do not go beyond three days.
• A water-only fast is a very challenging but deeply spiritual experience. Many people can endure forty days on water alone, though this is dependent on one’s weight and metabolism.
• A fruit and vegetable juice fast allows you to enter into fasting but still gives enough energy to function. Most people can do a forty-day juice fast. Out of consideration for their health and metabolism, I encourage teenagers to drink juice and protein drinks to sustain them.
9. Prepare physically
Two days before your fast, limit your intake of food to fruit and vegetables. Fruit is a natural cleanser and easy to digest. Stop drinking coffee before the fast. Prepare yourself for mental discomforts such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety. Expect physical discomforts. You may experience dizziness, headaches and different kinds of pains. The headaches are not necessarily a sign to stop fasting. Your body is working to cleanse itself of impurities.
10. Prepare for opposition
On the first day of your fast, you can bet doughnuts will somehow show up at the office or in class. Your spouse (or mom) will suddenly be inspired to cook your favorite meals. Take this as encouragement from God to press ahead! Many times you may feel increased emotional tension at home. My fasts are just as difficult on my wife as they are on me. Satan tempted Jesus on His fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand upon the victory of Christ.
11. Fast in secret
Do not boast about your fast, but do not go to extraordinary lengths to mask it when people inquire; if necessary, just let them know you will not be eating. The bigger deal you make of it, the more attention you draw. Be discreet, be transparent, then move humbly along.
12. Break the fast over several days with fruit juice and/or light soups
On a light juice fast or a water fast, your digestive system shuts down. It can be dangerous if you eat too much too soon. Break such a fast gently with several days of diluted, nonacidic juice, then regular juice, followed by fruit and vegetables. When breaking one of my early water fasts, I ate too much too quickly and almost needed hospitalization. Be careful!
13. Feel free to rest a lot and to continue to exercise
14. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not fast, PERIOD
15. Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions, and revelations
Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Daniel 10:1-3). Scripture also speaks of a fasting reward (Matthew 6:18). Expect God to fellowship and communicate with you in special ways.
16. Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it
Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. It is my conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded.
