Wise Virgins Are Raptured

Inevitability of God

Ken

“From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2 KJV). True religion starts and ends with God. That is the inevitability of God. There is none like Him. Any attempt to build the Kingdom of God on any other foundation will “frustrate the grace of God” (Galatians 2:21) and aid the enemy in the delay of the return of our True King to take His place on the Messianic Millennial Throne of David. Herein is the seeming paradox of Christianity. Is our goal to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing the world with the saving grace of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires more time; or, is it to warn the Church to be ready for imminent departure at the Rapture or Harpazō (1Thessalonians 4:17)? 

Both are true, but it is only the Holy Spirit, who will blend both goals for their appointed time fulfillment. Remember, all of the events of Acts 2 and the subsequent Church Age were directed by the Spirit of Christ to engage in the Great Commission, though the disciples were correctly awaiting the establishment of the Davidic Throne. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The Holy Spirit managed the disciples by preparing them to direct their immediate attention on evangelism (1:8). But, our secret is we need not account for how the world will deal with all the world ending issues of human existence— though we are not oblivious nor insensitive to accomplishing the little we can — our emphasis must be upon keeping our hand on the Gospel Plow (Luke 9:62), strengthening the saints (Jude 1:20), and literally hastening our Lord’s return, i.e., “while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2Peter 3:12 NET). 

Apparent delay will only use the enemy’s wrath to praise God’s name (Psalm 76:10) in the salvation of those previously unreachable. Jesus Christ is Yeshua the Anointed One, who will return not as a lowly sacrifice for our sins but as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 19:16) to reign over us in an earthly kingdom. “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).

To end as we started, our LORD is the Inevitable God. He will win the battle. “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies” (Isaiah 42:13). Righteous energy belongs only to the Almighty. The saints of God participate in the LORD’s inevitability only so far as we walk righteously. “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God” (Psalm 62:11). What inspires us to right action? God’s Spirit. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne” (Revelation 1:4). 


Father, You are the “high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; [You] dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). May Your Spirit direct us to keep our eyes upon Jesus that all will be done until it is the appointed time for our departure and Your Son’s return. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

Nearly 2,000 Years of Coming Quickly?

Ken

Jesus said, “I come quickly [Greek, tachu, soon, suddenly]” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 KJV). What part of nearly 2,000 years sounds quick? If He meant to keep us in a constant state of readiness, then He chose His words wisely. Did Paul think he might be alive, when Jesus returned? “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” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Yes, he seemed to include himself in that last statement of “we which are alive and remain” (4:17). But, don’t the words, “I come quickly,” lose their impact over the passing years? Not if you consider that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8). Isn’t that difficult language to use around small children? Only if they haven’t been growing. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We have been warned not to fall asleep, as if we would miss something, otherwise. 

“1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1Thessalonians 5:1-11).

Father, make us to be ready. In Jesus’ name, 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.