The Psalm of the Ages

          The Revelation ends with this affirmation from our Lord Himself: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Rev. 22:12). He also confirms again the promises made to His Church. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (vs. 16).
          Our response as the Bride echoes our earnest expectation of the glory that awaits us: “And the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (vs. 17). While we add our voice of agreement, we must not forget our current assignment. People need to hear this warning and be offered the water of life freely.
          End-Time Lesson: Long ago, a shepherd serenaded his sheep with a song unto the Lord. It paints a beautiful prophetic picture of our earthly walk with the Lord. Even though it is probably one of the most recognized psalms, I invite you to read it again in light of the chronos and kairos.  We are living at the end of this age. Its truths can sustain us when we fully lay hold of the depth of His love for us (see also Ephesians 3:14-21).
            “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” No matter what is happening in the world, God provides for us. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” He provides the essentials of life when we rest in Him. “He restores my soul. His Word and truths enable us to speak to our soul and bring it into alignment with our spirit. “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. The Spirit leads me according to Heaven’s ways, for I am yoked with Jesus and my burden is light.
            “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Yes, this world is subject to corruption and death, but I need not fear either, for I know that my future is secure in Christ who has made me a new creation. He has given me His authority and armor to defeat Satan’s strategies. “For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Jesus is with me through the person of the Holy Spirit. The Shepherd’s rod of truth defeats any enemy; the crook of the Shepherd’s staff draws me close to Him.
           “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” The banqueting table of Your Word and Your Presence provide all I need to be refreshed, even when I am facing my enemies. “You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” The anointing of the Holy Spirit covers me with the power and authority of Heaven. Whatever is required to minister on His behalf is available to me. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” I walk in His grace and favor. “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” I shall spend eternity with God and with my Beloved Bridegroom.          
            Our time on this earth, as God’s ambassadors and witnesses, is the equivalent of our boot-camp training for reigning. It is not a time of despair—at least not when we understand the God’s chronos agenda. For it is a message of comfort, hope, and victory!