Philip Dampier's Blog

Remembrances

Rainbow

The flood of Noah’s day was a terrible tragedy and no doubt haunted the minds of the eight people who survived. They had never seen such a catastrophe and when it was over the fear that it could happen again would have been paramount in their minds. God was quick to assure them that such a flood would never happen again. There would be floods but not a worldwide destructive one. To make sure that they and their children’s children knew this God gave them a sign to remind them of his promise. Thousands of years later, we also are reminded of that promise. Thank you, God, for the rainbow and its constant reassurance that there will never be such a flood again.

Communion

The New Testament church met on the first day of the week to break bread together. This special time was referred to as communion. They ate bread and drank wine with the sole purpose of remembering the death of Jesus on the cross for their sins. It was important for them to constantly keep the sacrifice of Jesus on their minds. As often as they partook of this special supper, they were remembering what Jesus did. Thank you, God, for the communion supper and its constant reassurance of the sacrifice of your son.

Blood Moons, Earthquakes, Wars and etc.

You’ve been reading a lot lately about the end times and the signs of the end of the world. Even before Jesus left earth for heaven the question of when he would return was debated. Jesus answered all inquires with a no one knows reply. Not even Jesus, himself, knew the when. Many people have “figured it out” but they always turn out wrong. Jesus did say there would be signs that prefigured his return. The signs were numerous and normal. Like the days of Noah, things would be normal. These signs, like the blood red moon and various earthquakes happened year after year. Peter said in 2 Peter 3:3, 4 about scoffers who would show up in the last days that they would question whether Jesus would return or not because, “For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

It’s true. Blood moons appear over and over though out history as a constant reminder that Jesus will return. Earthquakes shake the earth year after year as a reminder that Jesus is coming again. Floods, storms, eruptions, and various natural disasters occur year after year reminding us that Jesus is returning.

How are the blood moons of today different than the ones last year or a hundred years ago? All the other ‘end time’ signs, how do they differ than five hundred years ago? They don’t, of course. The repeated signs are there like the rainbow and communion to remind us that Jesus is going to come and judge the world. Jesus told the story of the virgins and their lamps to warn us about not being ready. The signs are to keep us ready.

None of the signs we see today say the end is nearer than the signs of the last decade. It may be very near. In fact it may happen at any moment but not because there was a blood moon in 2025 or that wars and rumors of war are present. Jesus will come when God says ‘go’ and not before nor later. The signs will continue just like they have for almost 2000 years until he comes.

We should say with the early church, “Come Lord Jesus,” we are ready.