What is your initial reaction when you encounter the concept of “The Rapture,” also known as the end times?
The initial response may be fear, while the second response is often complacency, assuming it won’t happen anytime soon. However, Jesus warns us that no one knows the day or the hour of his return. Not even the angels know when our Lord will return. This uncertainty should not breed complacency but rather ignite a sense of urgency to live for the Lord.
Jesus uses the parable of the Master and the good and wicked servant to illustrate that it will go well for the servant whom the Master finds doing his duties when he returns. Such a servant will be responsible for all the Master’s possessions. On the other hand, the wicked servant who thinks, “My master is staying away a long time,” starts mistreating others and carousing with drunkards. This servant will be caught off guard when the master returns and faces severe consequences. Scripture states that he will be cut to pieces and assigned with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:51). Ouch!
Can we strive to be like the good servant, remembering to be faithful and diligent in our responsibilities, even in the absence of our Master, understanding that He may return at any time?
Scripture
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matthew 25:42-44
Prayer
Father, thank you for your timely word. May we be encouraged to continue living for you so that we do not become like the wicked servant who was separated from you and tormented. Let this not be our fate as believers in Christ. May we, as believers, be encouraged and not fearful of the second coming of Christ. Let us be ready. In Jesus’ name, we humbly pray. Amen.
Check out more information on the “Rapture,” which is also referred to as the “End Times” by Billy Graham, “End Times 101”.
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