Shaking Christchurch (8) - Softening Up

The world is moving towards a time of distress. This season is a short one, because it is a time of transition that opens the way for the emergence of the Kingdom of God. This season will culminate with human governments accruing enormous powers. It will climax with political power being concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer people, while being dramatically expanded in scope.

Whereas previous empires gained power by force, the people of the world will welcome these human messiahs, because they promise to deliver them from trouble and tribulation.

The time of distress will be cut short when human governments collapse under the weight of their failed programs and broken promises. Their rise to power will be grand, but their collapse will be spectacular. It will be so spectacular that faith in human government and political power will be destroyed forever.

When human governments fail, people who trusted in political power will be so disappointed and disillusioned that they will be desperate for a better saviour who can be trusted to keep his promises. They will rush to put their faith in Jesus, allowing the kingdom of God to emerge on earth.

In the meantime, the principalities and powers have used the earthquake to soften Christchurch up for the Times of Distress. They have achieved to important objectives:

1. Fear that now has a strong hold in Christchurch that will not be defeated easily. Thousands of spirits of fear have been able to make their home in Christichurch.

2. As the people of New Zealand have watched the political leaders declaring peace and calm on television and seen them rescuing those in trouble and promising to restore broken dreams, faith in political power has been boosted.

Fear of the future and faith in the state is a dangerous mix. When fear and dread are pervasive and faith and trust inhuman government is widespread, the accumulation and concentration of political power is easy.