While we are reminded regularly that ‘no one knows the day or hour’ of the Rapture, we can know the season, and we’re in it pretty deep right now. The watcher community is lit right now with a lot of comm traffic regarding the Lord’s return, what’s happening with the global economy, the tensions in the Middle East, and an array of unsustainable realities that are now hitting us and will be increasing within the next few months. I went to the local Sam’s Club today to get some supplies and I realized that the price increases were such that I refused to purchase certain items in leu of the ridiculous hikes on some of the items.
I have kept my comments on the nearness of the Lord’s return limited to this blog site and a few close friends. I find that most people, most Christians, can’t really process it without going ‘off the rails’ a bit. I find that I long for the world whose builder and maker is God more and more, realizing that I am not long for this world. It’s all coming to a convergence as I observe things happening in our world that the media is NOT reporting.
As I pray and seek the Lord, I hear His voice saying to me, ‘occupy till I return.’ I have done blogs on this word ‘occupy’ before and I do occupy. I work hard every day and make the most of each day. My heart breaks for the many who don’t have a clue as to what is about to happen to them. If they would only come to faith in Jesus, if they would only believe upon His holy name, and be saved by His grace and precious shed blood.
My life is a walking billboard for Jesus. I talk about the Lord to others, I share my faith as I am able, and I do my best to represent the King. While I am still planning for the future, my heart is somewhere else, with Someone else, and I only want to see others, who might know and be glad, there. Lord help me to be a good witness of You in these last of the last days. Especially to my wife and family; who are all saved by grace.
The title of this blog, ‘What If I Knew’ has everything to do with possibly knowing the exact day of the Rapture. The Bible says that we can’t know for sure, but we can know when we are close, even when the Lord is at the door. We are currently in a mega-high watch season which will continue through Rosh Hashanah. A lot of us are looking toward the end of this month with great anticipation and many of us are cautiously optimistic about the reality of a July Rapture.
It’s not that life isn’t good, because it’s pretty good right now for us. It’s not without its challenges and struggles, but God is faithful and has been every step of the way. Like David, ‘I would have lost hope if I didn’t see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.’ (Psalm 27:13) There is a reward for those who place their faith and trust in the Lord; we only get a partial glimpse of it on this side of the veil. The greater reward is waiting for us with Jesus in heaven. This is why we long for the Lord and His kingdom. Truly God has blessed us and we are so grateful to the Lord for His manifold covering of blessing and protection upon our life and family. I for one am very grateful, coming from the humble beginnings of my dysfunctional adolescence. My life, like Job, is better now than in the beginning. No complaints, just gratefulness and thankfulness to God for His grace on my life. That being said, there is nothing in this life that compares to the glory that will be revealed when Jesus returns for His Church. (Romans 8:18) This is what I long for, this is what I desire; and you should too. Let’s face it, our future is as unsustainable as it is limited. We can work and save and hope, but in the end, Bible prophecy has already been written; however, if we are in Christ, then we are on the right side of it. Don’t fear the unknown or what might happen as we move forward on this timeline; just place your faith and trust in Jesus, the final Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
What if you knew that at the end of this month the Lord was retuning? Would you change what you are doing right now? For me, I would keep on doing what I am doing, working hard, loving my family, taking care of my wife and the many tasks she has, and so forth. I would be more relaxed and less concerned about things that are out of my control. I would eat more ice cream and do less sit-ups. I would read my Bible and pray more. I would be more intentional in my ministry and witnessing. I would occupy right up until the last moment before I was called home. I would be faithful to the Lord and not worry. I would trust in the Lord with all my heart, I would not lean on my understanding, but in all my ways, I would acknowledge the Lord and His leading in my life. (Proverbs 3:5,6) I would walk my dogs more. I would be ready, and more joyful in knowing we were about to leave. I say all of this because this is exactly what I am doing right now.
What would you do if you knew?
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northwest Missouri. He lives with his wife of 34-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 