“Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.” – Ezekiel 7:23
Sounds like Ezekiel has been visiting a few of our cities here in America. In actuality, he is writing prophetically about Israel, however, it sure sounds like he’s talking about current situations in our country, doesn’t it? We certainly have had our share of “bloody crimes” and “violence” in recent days. So much, in fact, that even in Christian circles, you can hear talk about the “end times” and the “imminent return of Christ.”
While it may be that Jesus will come again soon, the truth is that “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) Because of this, it is imperative that we all be ready when He does return because it truly could be at any moment. To be caught unaware and unprepared means a person will be left behind to face seven years of God’s judgment upon the earth.
Is the time close? Biblical scholars say there are no more biblical prophecies that must be fulfilled before Christ comes again. All that needs to happen is for God the Father to tell His Son to go and bring His children home. At that moment, the dead in Christ will rise, and all those who are living and have trusted Jesus as their Saviour will follow. This is what is referred to as the “Rapture of the Church.”
The next time Jesus comes, it will not be announced by angels to a group of shepherds on a hillside, and the Lord will not reside with mankind for 30+ years. Instead, the Bible tells what will happen when He comes again to those who have trusted Christ as Saviour. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 states, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Unlike His first coming, where a host of angels sang of His birth, this second time will be heralded differently. The Bible informs us, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) It is at that moment, the rapture will happen, and it will be so quick that there will be no time for anyone to make a last minute decision to accept Christ as their Saviour. 1 Corinthians 15 tells us that the “rapture” will begin and end in the amount of time it takes the eye to twinkle. That span of time, according to mathematicians, is thousands of times less than one second!
For years, we have been told to look for the signs of His coming. Titus tells us, until that day, we should live “… soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2:12-13)
Maybe it’s time to stop looking for the signs, and start listening for shout and the trumpet!
From the lofty courts of Heaven came a bud on earth to bloom
Knowing when He left His Father that His fate would be the tomb
But the grave it could not hold Him
Angels rolled the stone away, now the mighty Rose of Sharon is still blooming yet today
But the next time He comes, He won’t have to die for me
The next time He comes, there won’t be a Calvary
The next time He comes we’ll begin eternity
For when He comes again He’ll be coming for me
(from “The Next Time He Comes” by Harold Lane)
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:3
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When Jesus comes again, He’ll be coming for me. Will He be coming for you?