SHALL REAP THE
WHIRLWIND
INTRODUCTION
Shall reap the whirlwind category opens the door for the fierceness of the wrath of God toward nations who have drifted away. There has been an influx of ungodliness, chaos, and destruction that could readily be associated with a withdrawal from God’s protective hand and provision.
The Prophet Hosea uttered this significant prophecy: They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind; it has no stalk, the bud shall yield no meal, if so be it yield, the strangers (others) shall swallow it up (Hosea 8:7).
This was in reference to Samaria which would be swept away through the judgment of God and what remained would fall into the hands of strangers (the enemy) to whom God would deliver them. The whirlwind of God’s wrath would be raised up against them like a vehement storm of wind.
Shall Reap the Whirlwind
Ungodliness of Man
We are witnessing an avalanche of ungodliness, in many countries, as man continues to chart a course towards the sinful nature condemned in God’s Word. Apostle Paul wrote: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and the unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). It was noted that ungodliness is failure in the religious realm and unrighteousness in the moral sphere of injustice of man. You shall reap the whirlwind is due to making an allowance for such though continued walking away from the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
There is a sweeping acceptance of traits that are noted in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit with no shame or remorse in those involved in its continued promotion. The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, noted such a condition: Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination (ungodly acts)? No they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit (punish) them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 6:15).
Distress and Anguish
Scripture reveals: Your fear (terror) comes as desolation (a storm), and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes upon you (Proverbs 1:27). It was noted that this indicates the calamity that will be an occasion for fear; through famine and pestilence (which we are witnessing in many lands today) that would lay all waste, it shall be as the sword of an enemy without and famine within.
We are witnessing a potential war from both without and within; with the greater threat being from within. There is a crumbling of society as sin evolves to a greater extend and the godliness of man diminishes; through an ongoing war of cultural and progressive agenda. The biblical convictions of the past are being tossed aside, with a generational gap that is promoting such a concept. There is open door towards “shall reap the whirlwind” category unless Nineveh type repentance takes place.
Scripture reveals: God saw their works (repentance), that they turned from their evil way; and God repented (relented) of the evil, that he had said that he would do to them and he did it not (Jonah 3:10). It was noted that God did not change in His ultimate intention toward the Ninevites (shall reap the whirlwind category); rather, they changed in their attitude toward Him. On the basis of that change, God could deal with them in grace, rather than judgment as their failure to repent, would have necessitated.
Whole Armor of God
The Apostle Paul wrote: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand the wiles (schemes) of the devil. For we wrestle not flesh and blood (humanity), but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Satan and his cohorts). Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand in the evil day (which are in), and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:10-12).
The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17). Paul further noted the extreme necessity of praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). He noted: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh), but mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds; casting down imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Destructive Patterns
Scripture reveals: As the whirlwind passes, so the wicked are no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25). It was noted that those who seem to be in power and authority will one day be no more. As the whirlwind, which digs into the earth, makes a circle and buries itself in it; so the wicked dig a pit for others and fall into it themselves.
Apostle Peter gave a warning: Beware lest you also (referring to the Christian), being led away from the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18). We are witnessing a whirlwind of activity geared towards acceptance of the ungodly culture of our day, with deception towards its rewards and pleasures, rather than truth of its destructive patterns and God’s wrath. The righteous are of a firm and stable foundation in Christ; rooted and grounded in God’s Word as long as they are continue in such a path; while the wicked shall reap the whirlwind, which is God’s judgment being unleashed.
Provision for Salvation
God’s Word does not bear out that every living being will be saved; though God made a provision for such. Scripture reveals: God so loved the world (you and I) that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on the Son has everlasting life; and he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-18).
Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36). Apostle Paul wrote: Neither is their salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Mercy or Wrath
The Prophet Nahum, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not acquit the wicked; the Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm (Nahum 1:3). It was noted that the Lord is slow to anger reveals ample opportunity for repentance. However, he is able to execute (shall reap the whirlwind category), and by no means will allow the guilty to go free and unpunished; through He moves slowly, in the execution of His judgments, if repentance does not come forth, they will be fully accomplished.
God's wrath is compared to a whirlwind, a storm, which is executed upon man. Scripture reveals: For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Apostle Peter spoke of God’s mercy: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the wicked); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Without Benefit of a Savior
Shall reap the whirlwind category will have a devastating effect on those who have not the benefit of a Savior (the Lord Jesus Christ). The sinfulness of man has evolved to a state of relaxation, to young and old alike, as being promoted as pleasurable and desired by all. Many nations have gone adrift in their laxity in promoting the Word of God, by allowing the ungodliness of man to prevail, opening the door towards reap the whirlwind category.
The Prophet Zechariah, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: But I (God) scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned; for they laid the pleasant land desolate (Zechariah 7:14).
It was noted that scattering them, with a whirlwind, denotes the fierceness of God’s wrath, and the strength of His fury. The land of Judah was destitute of inhabitants, with only a few remaining, after the people were carried captive to Babylon. The land prior to that was a pleasant land, a land flowing with milk and honey; the glory of other lands due to its great fruitfulness, until it withdraw itself from God’s provisions by worshipping other gods.
God's Imminent Wrath
Many are standing on the threshold of God’s imminent wrath, entering the “shall reap the whirlwind” category, rather than His continued provision and blessing. As ungodliness continues to prosper, despite its destructive nature, and the people of the land relishing it rather than reject it; will it not induce God’s judgmental stroke towards a return to Him?
Apostle Paul wrote: Evil men and seducers shall wax (grow) worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). The time will come (and now is) when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (hearing), and they shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious).
The Fruit One Bears
Is there a dereliction of duty in the promulgation of the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God? Is there not an attempt to replace revealed religion with a new progressive social gospel that no longer spells out sin or holy living?
An unknown author noted the things that will destroy us: Politics without principle; Pleasure without conscience; Wealth without work; Knowledge without character; Business without morality; Science without humanity; and Worship without sacrifice. Jesus said: Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them (Matthew 7:20).
He was speaking of the religious of His day that had drifted away from former commitments. Whether one shall reap the whirlwind, or the blessings of God, depends on the fruit (life) one bears; whether it is Christlike or consumption of worldly influences and values, so much on display in today’s culture.
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