Consolation Amidst Desolation
by Rev. Lorraine D. Coconato

You don't have to be a meteorologist to determine that a storm is approaching! A clouded sky, a darkened sun, dampness in the air are all signs that it is beginning to rain or that other precipitation is about to happen!

Isaiah 28: 1-2 says "Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower which is at the head of the verdant valleys, to those who are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one, like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, who will bring them down to the earth with His hand."

Storm clouds are coming to the Body, known as the Church, like never before! As Isaiah so eloquently says, "the crown of pride" will be cast down and those who have walked in outright haughtiness will become the "tail" and no longer, the "head!" In business vernacular, "heads will roll," and though this phrase seems tasteless, some "heads" must be humbled, so the soon and coming, great and terrible day of the Lord will show forth a people (verse 5) "for a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty."

Some "heads" of churches/ministries have "turned back the battle at the gate," (verse 6b) as they have been diligent on their "watch." They have walked in justice and uprightness and have been a pleasure to the Lord!

While others have sown discord, hoarded and been intoxicated by the wine of their flesh, leaving a trail of brokenness and devastation in their path. Abuses of all kinds, narcissism and the like have filled their bellies with the delicacies of the king, causing teeth to rot and their words to be pellets of deceptions! These are those that Jesus called "white washed sepulchres!" (Matthew 23: 27-28) Beware, there are some in our midst!

Yet, we can rejoice in knowing that when the clouds of adversity begin to drip their acid rain, the winds of revival will blow in to bring forth "third" day (3rd millenium) resurrections, bountiful harvests and "yet unseen" miracles; the latter rain will fall!

How can we find security in the bellowing storms? Hold tight to the Consolation of Israel, (the Messiah, Jesus) the One in whom the weary will find rest, comfort and stillness. "This is the refreshing," (verse 12b) says the Lord of hosts! Yet, will they hear?

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