As we approach another high watch season, let’s be more careful in our assessment of it. This season will prove to be a revealer of God’s divine plan for His Church; whether to take us now, or allow us to continue in our service to Him as we head into the Fall season. While our hearts are hopeful for the Lord’s soon return for us, we must also be guarded as this season may pass and our witness of Jesus will continue. Either way, it will be revealed in a few days. We can be hopeful, yet make some long-term plans; alas, it’s the tension of all watchers.
If we put aside all of the potential Rapture hoopla and the people who are making said proclamations, and just assess what is happening in Israel, Russa, the Ukraine, and even the economies of the world, we can clearly see that things are falling into place all around us. It should be clear, even to the casual observer, that something big is about to happen; even people who are not saved can feel it. This is the Lord’s doing as He is wooing as many to Him as will come; even before He comes to collect His bride. Our command from the Lord is clear, we are not to fear because what God has instore for His people is very different than what He has instore for those who dwell on the earth.
The Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked (man of iniquity) forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:6-9
God is still seeking those who would come to Him before the Rapture. He will continue to seek them out after the Rapture, but for those left-behinders, it will be much harder for them; however, they can still be saved then.
The Lord spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13
While we might hear this passage at a high school graduation and such, but it really applies to each of us who have placed their faith in Jesus. The context has more to do with the Jews who were exiled to Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar and their eventual return to Israel after 70 years.
In like manner, we are captive to this world, this life, this place. While we’re here we must come to know Jesus and make Him known to others. We must tend the garden, our garden, and be good stewards of our lives and live it to the fullest and as unto the Lord. The closer we get to the Rapture, the more the shadow of the tribulation is being cast upon this world. We can see it all around us, but the restraining power of the Holy Spirit is still in effect because we, the body of Christ, are still here. Even in these last of the last days, the Lord wants us to be glorified in us. While we do get a taste of that abundant life (John 10:10) that Jesus promises us here, however, our real life begins on the other side. Our goal now is to get as many people as possible to join us in our journey of faith.
When I was on the job I liked working graveyards because it was easier to get around and things were much quieter. At around 2am we would post up across from a local bar and watch for the last of the patrons to leave. We would follow them to see if their driving was unsafe or erratic. If it was, we would stop them and conduct a DUI investigation. This kept the public safe, it protected the patrons from themselves, and it increased our effectiveness in preventing tragedy on the roadways. In California, a ‘last call’ for alcoholic drinks is usually given before 2am in pubs and bars. This law was made to help control the abuse of public drinking and its negative effects on the local community.
In like manner, God is giving this world a sort of ‘last call’ to come to him before the heavenly door closes. He has given us many signs, many altar calls, and many warnings of pending calamity that is just on the horizon; at least for the world. While I want to speak encouragement into the body of Christ; I also want to warn anyone who may be reading this who is not saved or walking right with Jesus. For believers, as long as we’re abiding in the vine of Jesus, we are good to go when He does call us in. Our abiding in Christ has everything to do with being in right relationship with Him and a relevant light to those around us; to those in our stead. I encourage you to be that light as God makes a last call. When this ride is over, it’s going to be pretty good. The fulness of that abundant life that Jesus promised us is waiting for us all, just over the hilltop.
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 