Keep Watch

Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
(Matthew 24:40-42)

Meditation

The timing of the rapture on God’s timeline is constantly being debated. Some think it will take place just before the Tribulation period begins, some think it occurs midway through, and others say it happens at the Second Coming. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter when we are taken up so long as when Jesus calls us, we are ready. When the scripture says watch it means to make ourselves ready. Instead of debating about when the rapture will happen it’s better to make sure we’re not backsliding and falling into the worst influences of the world.
Some people look back through history and see all the pain, suffering, and death that the people of God have had to endure. They reason that we are no better than they, so why then should we be expecting deliverance from the Tribulation when past Christians have had to suffer so much? I don’t have an answer to that, other than to say, it is God’s justice which, quite frankly, I seldom ever understand. I would say, whatever happens to this world will be far worse than anything past Christians have had to endure. The destruction of this sinful world will be on a scale we cannot even comprehend.
During the seven years of the Tribulation, especially the second three and a half years, the people are not going to be going about normal everyday routines. That period of time is going to be filled with such terrible wrath from God, and suffering by the people, they are only going to concern themselves with surviving until the next day. Yes, people have suffered like that throughout history, but not since the Flood, or Sodom and Gomorrah, was God’s wrath the cause. God’s timing for when the rapture happens will be made clear when we are all with Jesus. What this passage tells me is that when we least expect it, when we’re going about our everyday routine, when we’re doing the dishes, when we’re standing at the alter getting married, when we’re driving our car, or piloting an airplane, BANG, we’re gonna be outta here! In the twinkling of an eye, we’ll all be changed. Maranatha!





Prayer Time

Dear Lord in heaven, what splendor and power you display throughout the universe. Creation belongs to you and your justice shall prevail. We know the day is coming when you will have had enough of the wickedness of mankind. Your wrath will fill the earth to the point that if you don’t hold your hand, not a single thing would survive. Father we praise you for your mercy and grace, that while we deserve the fate of every other lost sinner, you have redeemed us from hell. Please Lord, take away our need to debate each other over when you will remove your Church out of this world and turn that into an eagerness to share your gospel. Help us to always be found righteous in your eyes and ready to be taken up. When we slip and fall into temptation, set our feet back on the righteous trail, always following the One who saved us from destruction. We love you, Lord, and watch as patiently as we are able for your promised return.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

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