As the last few seconds of the year ticked away, the world let go a sigh of relief as 2012, the year of the dragon passed in to the annals of time. With mass shootings, cannibalistic attacks, deadly hurricanes and unprovoked subway deaths, it is a year many would like to forget. And, while the dire predictions of December 21, 2012 seemed to be a bust, the year itself (in terms of almost unparalleled destruction, horror and evil) was not.
Now that the confetti has been swept away and the noisemakers set aside for another year, many are asking, what might we expect from the coming year – will it be better than the last?
And, I think for those of us, who know and understand the signs of the times, (according to the Bible) the answer to that question would be no. And, why would it be, as there have been no signs of serious repentance by this nation before God. In fact, the opposite, is true.
We deplore the violence that took away the lives of small children and other innocent victims yet, demand the right to continue the slaughter of the unborn. We want God’s blessing but, not his presence. Therefore, the peace and prosperity, we previously enjoyed and yearn for now, will not be given. One day, (when Jesus returns), swords will be turned to plowshares – but, in the next year, plowshares will be turned to swords; for the patience of the Lord regarding the rebelliousness of this nation is coming to an end.
I didn’t hear much crowing about December 21 and the failed Mayan prophecy. With Hurricane Sandy and the Sandyhook shootings just days earlier, most, I believe were just happy to see the date come and go with out much “to do” – hoping against hope that next year would be better than the last. But, nothing could be further from the truth. For as it says in Amos 5:19 –
“In that day it will be as a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear as though he entered his house and rested his hand on a wall only to have a snake bite him.”
In fact, what we saw in 2012, (the year of the Dragon) in terms of barbarism and extreme violence will most likely be multiplied with the added factor of deception, in 2013, the year of the snake. If there was ever a time, we needed the Lord’s strength, protection and wisdom, it is now. I pray that we will be ready.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6 Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!
Heaven Bound 
Thanks for your perspective. I’m inclined to agree that things will get “worse” if that means more earthquakes, civil violence, explicit perversion and the rest. However, for the serious believers, I believe this will be a time to “lay up treasure” in unprecedented amounts. As I noted previously (maybe you saw it), the Lord is dealing with His errant Laodiceans. Those seeking first the Kingdom will probably have some extreme challenges, but the world will clearly see the difference between the “kingdom of man” in its death spiral, and the Kingdom of Christ which is about to be birthed.
We’re in the final leg of this two-millenia relay race. We have the baton, our lungs are burning, we’re tired and some are discouraged … but we’re running this race for all we’re worth, and the finish line may be just over the next hill.
[Writing, of course, from the vantage point of the standard New Year’s reveler – things are not going to get better – they are going to get worse and very soon. The Laodicean church is a child that refuses to grow up. We’re happy to be pampered with all the goodies from the Father with no sense of real greatfulness or responsibility. If we’re headed to the spiritual woodshed, we’re headed there kicking and screaming. If we don’t grow up and gear up spiritually, we are headed for a world of trouble. For those who missed your excellent article titled – ‘The War on the Middle Class” – you can catch it here. http://stevekerp.wordpress.com/ – Blessings Steve and thanks for writing! C]
By: stevekerp on January 7, 2013
at 2:16 am
Cindy, I couldn’t agree more. Well said, this post sums it up and lays it out.
Blessings, T
By: Tamra on January 7, 2013
at 5:01 am
Ps 78:32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous 33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.
Good word Sister Cindy. It seems they’re starting off with long range plans, and whoever didn’t see this coming must have been sleeping or watching American Idol. Democrats introducing Bill ‘HJ RES 15′ in hopes to give Obama a 3rd, 4th term…
Must be time to play American Limbo . . . just how low can she go?
http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-joint-resolution/15/text
By: William E. Males on January 7, 2013
at 5:45 am
The year of the Dragons not over yet sis. 9th of Feb, Chinese year isnt concurrent with ours.
By: stephenpeter777 on January 9, 2013
at 7:47 am