Ever had an "A-HA!" moment?

While it’s not an actual theological term, I’ve discovered the “A-HA” moment. They happen when you read through your Bible, and a verse almost jumps off the page. In fact, not to be too blunt, it almost smacks you upside the head. Let me explain.

A conversation about farming led to an epiphany

Before I do that, I need to set the stage for said “A-HA Moment.” I wrote an article about a well-respected official named “Zippy” Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau, who made a trip to the southern border of the U.S. He’d received correspondence from several state Farm Bureau organizations along the border requesting help because of the massive influx of people crossing into America from Mexico.

The article combines what Duvall saw with his own eyes, as well as information from farmers, law enforcement officials, and the citizens he spoke to who live along the border. Farm Bureau officials gave their firsthand accounts of what is happening, and it’s a calamity.

The reactions on social media have been particularly ugly. I’ve been called every name in the book, including a xenophobe. I don’t even know what that word means. I got accused of “fear-mongering” when I was describing what people saw with their own eyes. All I did was tell someone else’s story, and people are insistent that nothing is wrong down there or that things are getting blown out of proportion. How is this possible?

Well, I was working through the second chapter of Thessalonians and got the answer. I want you to keep in mind that this got written a couple of thousand years ago as I describe the A-HA.

Have you heard the term Spirit of Lawlessness? Did you also know that God will send a strong delusion to the people who deliberately reject him and choose their sin?

Let’s start with the Spirit of Lawlessness. The Apostle Paul was discussing the Day of the Lord with the Church in Thessalonica. Many were worried that the Day of the Lord had already come, and Paul said certain things have to happen first. Verse three says, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”

What does “apostasy” mean? It comes from the Greek word “apostasia,” (from the Got Questions website) which means “a defiance of an established system or authority: a rebellion; an abandonment or a breach of faith.” Let me put it in simpler terms: it’s a great falling-away from your Biblical faith. Have you noticed any of that happening in the American church today?

I have: the “prosperity gospel” sure comes to mind. How about the rapidly declining attendance numbers throughout the church? For the first time, a Gallup Poll this year showed less than half of Americans belonged to a house of worship (47%). That’s down from 50 percent in 2018 and a fall off a cliff from 70 percent in 1999.

So, I’d say we’re in the process of falling away, aren’t we?

After the falling-away takes off, Paul says the Man of Lawlessness gets revealed. You do know who the Man of Lawlessness is, right? The Anti-Christ. Are we heading in that direction? Paul himself said even back in his day that “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” Does anyone notice that the Spirit of Lawlessness seems to be working overtime today? How’s that “defund the police” thing working out?

The Spirit of Lawlessness is at work.

Are you like me and can’t imagine how anyone could justify that idea with a straight face? The Spirit of Lawlessness is working overtime right now, and people seem to be falling right in line with that spirit, don’t they?

In that same chapter, verse 10 says, “They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved.” He’s speaking here of people who hear the Good News and deliberately choose to reject Jesus and His forgiveness. Do you know what happens if you reject God long enough?

Verse 11 says, “FOR THIS REASON (Constant, deliberate rejection), God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe what is false.” They made a choice, and God is giving them what they desire.

Could it be that the strong delusion is in effect? Is that what causes people to read firsthand accounts of just about anything and immediately not believe it?

I think that delusion is here. Paul gives us the right advice in the face of everything happening: “Therefore brothers (and sisters), stand firm and hold on to what you were taught.” Don’t let anyone take you away from Biblical Christianity. Ever. Hold on tightly. The rewards will always be worth more than you or I can imagine.

1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (New King James)

You can’t imagine the joys that are ahead. Hang on!