By Tope Banso.
“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, ‘All is well; everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall upon them as suddenly as a woman’s birth pains begin when her child is about to be born. And there will be no escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 New Living Translation).
The rapture is the next major event the earth will witness. Those who’re saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) – the church both living and dead – shall be caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air and be with him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Non-believers may not be aware of this hence the need for them to give their lives to Jesus.
But there are believers who are very much aware of this truth but are not preparing for Jesus’ return. They’re living like non-believers. The Bible says the day of Jesus’ coming shall be like a thief in the night – unexpectedly. You’ll either be saved or lost.
Suppose Jesus comes back today, are you ready to meet him? You can’t be living in sin or living your life entangled with the things of this world and hope to make the rapture.
If you’re a Christian but you’re living in sin or without any expectation of Jesus’ return, repent. Luke 17:26-27 says in the days of Noah, people were eating, drinking and marrying before the flood washed away that generation. And in the days of Lot, the people were eating, drinking and engaging in commerce, farming and building but suddenly God’s rain of fire consumed Sodom and Gomorrah (verses 28-29).
Beware! Don’t be entangled with the affairs of this world at the expense of your soul. 2 Timothy 2:4-5 warns, “And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army” (New Living Translation).
Much earlier, Jesus had warned: “Watch out! Don’t let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, as in a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep a constant watch” (Luke 21:34-36a New Living Translation).
You may not be guilty of careless ease and drunkenness mentioned in that scripture but what of the worries of life? Are worldly worries and cares pertaining to the business of this life not making you lose focus on eternity?
Nobody knows the exact date Jesus will come. Be prepared! Mark 13:33 says since you don’t know when the master will come, watch and pray – be on guard, stay alert. Jesus might come back any time so prepare to receive him (Luke 12:37-40).
The ten virgins all slept off before the bridegroom came. Only five made it at last (Matthew 25:1-13). Wake up now!
Live as a pilgrim (1Peter 2:11). You’re a citizen of Heaven, not of this present earth (Philippians 3:20). Suppose Jesus comes back now, will you make the rapture?
PRAYER POINT: My Father in heaven, deliver me from choices and lifestyle that will make me miss the rapture.
This is wisdom for living, and it’s worth sharing. Please share.
(For more inspiring messages, visit: www.cedarministry.org)
●●Banso, an Abuja-based minister can be reached via cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com; on Tel No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523;
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947