Occupy for the LORD

Rapture Is Part of the Second Coming

Ken

If we believe Christ came the First Time as a Savior in a Bethlehem manger, then we must believe He will come a Second Time as a Judge and King. As the angel said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 KJV). Paul (I believe to be the writer of the Book of Hebrews) said, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). 

Though some disagree that the concept of the Rapture of the Church is unfounded, I would ask, Do you believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? So do I. But, notice that Paul describes with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Living Saints are raptured or caught up to Him. “13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched up, i.e., raptured] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIV). 

If we agree that we are raptured, then any disagreement would be over what happens after the Rapture. Immediately, we are “present with the Lord” (2Corinthians 5:8). We are in another dimension, outside the dimension of earth time and tribulation events, and have an infinite of time for an awards banquet and dinner — Bema Seat Judgment (Romans 14:10) and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10) — before we return with the Lord. Then, will be the final, visible part of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). 

All we need to do is occupy till He comes (Luke 19:13) and watch for Him (21:36). Help us, Lord, to do that, but He will do the rest!

Father, cause us to be faithful to You. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.

Prayer for Christ’s Return

Ken

Almighty God, You are the creator of all possible worlds (Genesis 1:1), yet You seek a relationship with me (17:1). I am humbled to seek the highest good of Your being knowing You have sought that for me (John 3:16). I have offended in not loving and obeying You as I ought (Isaiah 53:6), and I am grateful for Your merciful loving kindness in sending Your Son to suffer in my place for my sins (1Peter 2:21; 4:1). I pray that the gift of Your Spirit (Acts 2:38) would inspire me to walk in obedience (Ezekiel 36:27) and that Jesus would return soon (Revelation 22:20). I know I must occupy myself with Your business in the meantime (Luke 19:13). And, I realize You may take me by means of death (James 4:14) before You would rapture Your Church and Jesus would return (1Thessalonians 4:17). Make me to be as the Wise Virgins (Matthew 25:10) and to abide in watchfulness for Your soon coming. Cause me to be a faithful watchman (Luke 21:36). Amen.

Why Am I Still Here?

Ken

Ever hear an extremely elderly individual voice that question, or something like it? Probably not nor may you ever. But, it’s still a good question. Paul answered it. “21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot [know] not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24 KJV). Evidently, your presence on this planet is still necessary, as far as our Heavenly Father is concerned, if not for your spiritual benefit, then for someone else, or both. Occupy yourself with the LORD, until He calls you Home, for you will occupy yourself with Him forever. It will never get old! LORD, cause us not to be weary in well doing. Give us the strength to match our days. Instruct us to be useful to You, others, and ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

When I Am Old

Ken

David died at the age of 70, but before he died he said, “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed [shōwed] Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come” (Psalm 71:18 KJV). David retired from his throne possibly as much as four years before his death. Retirement is normally the process of handing down responsibilities to succeeding generations. What are some goals for retirement? First, do not wait until retirement to be happy. Practice happiness now or blessedness today. “Blessed [Greek, makarios, happy] is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46). Second, do not look at retirement as doing nothing, instead look at it as an opportunity to serve the Lord in ways not possible before. “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Third, look at retirement as a gift from God that you do not deserve and carries responsibilities unique to your new circumstance. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Fourth, relish the opportunity to get to know the LORD better, especially through prayer and the Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). Fifth, use your time to better serve elderly parents and take care of your family circle. “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2Timothy 1:5). Father, may we aspire to retire to be better know and serve You. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen.