In my experience I’ve noticed two extremes when planning and preparing for a trip. First extreme are those who plan out their trips months or even years in advance and start packing a week before they’re scheduled to leave. Second extreme, someone else plans their trips and only an hour before they’re scheduled to leave does the suitcase come out and packing begins. The great tragedy is usually both extremes are married to each other. Lol! Needless to say, no matter what your tendency is, there is a trip the Bible speaks of that we must all prepare for!
The Bible teaches that all followers of Jesus are to plan and prepare for a “trip” also know as the rapture. We are told that believers in the last generation will not experience physical death, but will be “caught up” in the twinkling of an eye to be with the Lord!
The rapture of the church is an event we should all be longing for. We will be in God’s presence forever and free from the ever-present wrestling with sin and darkness. There is much debate over the meaning and scope of the rapture. This is not God’s intent. Rather, the rapture should bring comfort and hope; God wants us to “encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
The rapture is the transformation and catching up of all Christians, dead or alive, to meet Christ in the air. In this unexpected and brief moment the world will be caught by surprise for it will be unknown to the unbeliever at the time of its happening. The effect of this “catching up” will, of course, be evident on earth resulting in complete chaos. Every family, culture, and nation will be affected all in a moments time with no prior warning.
Then, second, after a period of seven years of tribulation on earth, Christ will return to the earth with His church, the saints who were raptured (Matthew 24:30, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13, Revelation 1:7). He will be victorious over His enemies and will reign on the earth for 1,000 years (the millennium) with His saints.
Rather your understanding of scripture depicts pre-tribulation , mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation as the biblical timeline of the rapture, let our hearts unite by allowing our eternal compass to be unmoved with this hope! The Lord Jesus is coming back for His Church and oh what a glorious day it will be!
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the primary purpose of the trip, also known as the rapture? Read John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; and 1 Thessalonians 5:10.
2. What phrases indicate we will leave suddenly? See 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 and Matthew 24:36-44.
3. Are you ready to leave at a moment’s notice?
4. Just like you are to prepare for any trip, how does the Bible tell us to prepare? (Matt 24:45-27, 1 John 3:23, 2 Cor. 7:1) (examples: Abounding in love, established faith, holiness, steadfast in service are a few that can be discussed)
