Are you going when the call comes?

In our previous message, we touched on the rapture of the saints from the perspective of being light and living a pure and blameless life. I want us to stay on this topic until the Holy Spirit wants to move on. 

In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, we read about the rapture (Click the link to read the passage). There are two schools of thought about when the rapture will happen. Some believe it will be before the seven-year tribulation starts, and others that it will take place halfway through the great tribulation.  

My belief in the pre-tribulation rapture might not change your mind if you believe in the mid-tribulation rapture. But this is irrelevant because, regardless of when He comes, the question is whether you will be ready to join those who will meet Jesus in the air when He comes on the clouds to fetch his bride/church. 

 

We read in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that a trumpet sounding will precede the coming of Jesus on the clouds. Dave Jones, who did an extensive discussion on the end times, said an interesting thing. He said that at the very moment the trumpet blows, each born-again believer will have the opportunity to choose whether they want to meet Jesus in the air. 

 

I bet you're thinking now that the choice is obvious, but it's not. When I heard Dave Jones saying this, I immediately thought of the following written in Luke 14:16-20 (Click the link). Jesus told the parable of the banquet that has been arranged, and those invited started making excuses. When I heard Dave's words, I believe the Holy Spirit connected the two in my spirit. The trumpet sounding and the cry of command from the archangel will be the invitation for the bride of Christ to join Him for the wedding banquet of the Lamb. 

 

At that moment, each believer will be in either of two positions. You will be ready to say "yes, yes, yes, here we go!" or you'll have an excuse. The choice you make will depend on your priorities at that time. Are you sold out to Jesus, or do you have material things that are important to you and which you feel still need your attention? I’m referring to things such as a business, a type of sport, a social position with its responsibilities, and people such as family and friends. Jesus said in Matthew 10:37-38 (click to read) that loving those who are close to you more than you love Him makes you unworthy to be His disciple.

 

If we consider the latter two passages in the light of the rapture, consider the following scenario when the trumpet blows. You will then have the choice whether you want to meet Jesus in the clouds or to

• look after your business or
• marry your dream spouse or
• look after your children or
• whatever is more important to you at that moment.

I think that, if either of the latter is your choice, you'll stay behind and go through the great tribulation. In other words, if you feel you can't go now because your children need you or your business or whatever need you, you'll stay behind. 

 

The trick, however, is that you won’t have time to contemplate it at that moment. You need to make up your now. Nothing else, apart from Jesus should have any value to you. You ought to eat, sleep, and dream that day when Jesus comes to fetch his bride. You ought to dream about the wedding feast of the Lamb. 

 

Should our lives then stop while we wait in anticipation for that day? By no means - my policy is that I live as if Jesus would come today. In other words, I bear as much fruit as possible and am as pure and blameless as possible. But I plan my future as if He is never going to return. In other words, life goes on, but I remain ready.  

Do you have to keep looking to heaven in anticipation of His coming? In Luke 12:35-48 (click to read), Jesus covered both the options in this respect. He tells His servants to be on the watch for Him coming. He does not want believers to be caught unawares but to expect His coming all the time, looking out for Him.

Then He also urged servants to remain busy with service and not be caught being idle and disobedient. In other words, believers should not just stare at the clouds expecting Jesus to return, but should remain busy with evangelism and caring for God's people. While doing this, they ought to expect to see Jesus in the clouds at any moment. They ought to keep their ears attentive to the voice of the angel and the sound of the trumpet. 

 

What is your position? Is anything in this world more important to you than being with Jesus?