Luke 2:34 (And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against.)

During Christ’s dedication in the temple, several prophecies were spoken concerning Him. One came through the prophet Simeon, who declared that this Child was set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and would be a sign spoken against.

As we know, Jesus Christ is the One whom the world continues to speak against. Even many occult writings seek to demean His person and ministry.

There is no one in the world to whom the Word of God is not applicable. The Word will either be for your rising or for your fall. It depends on which side you stand with Jesus.

Those who believe in Him will not see death, but those who refuse Him have the wrath of God resting upon them and will not see life.

There are two categories of people in the world: believers and unbelievers. Some have faith in the saving grace of Christ, and those who refuse to believe in Him.

If you believe in Him, He is for your rising. But if you reject Him and refuse His saving grace, He is for your fall, and the wrath of God remains upon you until you come to repentance.

Whatever is done outside His will remains under judgment. Decisions made without Him can lead to destruction until you acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to destruction. There are two ways: the way to heaven through righteousness and the way to hell through rebellion.

Examine your life through the mirror of the Word. Know what is being applied to your life and determine the side to which you belong. Is Christ for your rising because you belong to Him, or is He for your fall because you are walking in the opposite direction?

There are blessings in the Bible for those who are on the right side, and there are consequences for those who choose the wrong side. It depends on the choice you make.

Though Jesus died for the whole world, not everyone believes in Him, and not everyone will accept Him.

There are consequences for everything done on the earth, and God is ready to give everyone according to their deeds. Those who follow crooked ways will experience the consequences of crookedness. We can make our choices, but we cannot choose the consequences.

The principle remains the same whether you make the right choice or the wrong one: everyone will reap whatever they sow.

Examine whether your life reflects the choice you have made and whether your actions contradict His will and purpose for creating you. Consider your response to His Word and examine whether your life is aligned with His will.

Some people will discover, when it is too late, that they have been on the wrong side all along without realising it. They believe in His mercy but refuse to believe in His judgment.

The Bible says that justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne. There are two sides to His nature in judgment: He justifies those to whom He extends mercy and pronounces judgment against those who remain in rebellion.

You cannot believe in His goodness and mercy while rejecting His wrath and judgment against iniquity.

That is how you will know whether He is for your rising or for your falling. The One who is the Lamb is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The side on which you stand determines how you experience His dealings.

He created good, and He created evil. Problems cannot come upon a town without His awareness. There is nothing Satan does that God is not aware of.

Until we understand this, we may not relate with God as we claim to do.

Is His baptismal fire for your purification or for your destruction?

His fire is for the purification and sanctification of those who belong to Him and have His Spirit, but it is for the destruction of the weeds and tares.

People are operating under the wrath of God without knowing it, while others know but refuse to admit it until destruction comes.

There are people whose consciences are seared and who are unwilling to repent from their wickedness, yet they remain envious of those whom God has blessed.

Those destined for perdition will perish, and those who are saved will be saved. Therefore, it is dangerous to remain on the wrong side as one of His enemies. If God arises, all His enemies shall be scattered. Being in church does not exempt anyone from His correction. His rod of correction can meet a person even there.

If Jesus Christ is for your fall because of persistent rebellion, there is nothing anyone can do to prevent the consequences. A person can only continue until the appointed time of judgment arrives.

People may warn you about your actions, yet you remain adamant, saying that you have your life to live and that no one can control you. But perhaps God has already handed you over to the consequences of your rebellion, and judgment is awaiting its appointed time. He who should have been for your rising may become a witness to your fall.

Do not allow the door of mercy to close, and do not let the time of grace expire in your case. Tomorrow is not promised.

Today is the day of salvation.

You can still change your ways, turn toward the right side, and walk in the path of righteousness with God.

Prayer: Father lord, if Iam on a wrong path without knowing it, direct me to your way in your mercy, in Jesus’ name, amen.