TODAY’S
WORD FOR MONDAY JULY 29, 2013.
RAPTURE
DEFINITION:
The
return of Jesus in the clouds to remove the church (believers) from the world
before the battle in which Jesus defeats Satan.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore
you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44
KNOWLEDGE
AND EXPERIENCE:
Today
we want to talk about this exciting event which could be coming soon. Recently
we have read about and seen on the television reports from people that have
alerted the world of the day that they say the Lord will return to this earth.
But let us tell you that the scripture (above) makes it very clear that the
Lord is coming at an hour that no one will expect. There is no doubt on the
clarity of this verse so do not get caught up with these stories as they come
your way.
The
most important question that you will face in your lifetime is, IF JESUS
RETURNS TODAY, WILL YOU BE READY TO MEET HIM? Let us assure you that nothing is
more important than for you --- right now --- to stop and make sure you are
ready if Jesus returns today.
Some
people will say that they have done good things so they are ready. Others may
say that they have been good parents or good workers at their job so God will
take me. The list can go on and on, but unfortunately, those things are not
what will get you into heaven to live eternally with Jesus.
In
Matthew chapter 24 we have a lengthy account of how Jesus responded to the
disciples when they asked about the date of His return. He told the disciples
that only God the Father knows. In verse 36 He said, "But of that day and
hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."
Jesus
said when He returns it will be like it was in the days before the flood. The
people carried on in their worldly mundane everyday activities and were not
prepared when God’s judgment struck. They watched Noah for months and months
building an ark and they ignored his warnings of what was coming. No doubt they
thought he was crazy. Once the rain came it was too late for them to repent.
When
Jesus returns, it will be sudden and without warning. There will be no last
minute chance to repent. Your choice will have already been made. This is why
Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 24:44, "Therefore you also need to
be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." We
do not know when Jesus will return, but we need to be ready. Make sure that you
have accepted Jesus into your heart, asked for His forgiveness of your sins and
then make that all important commitment to serve Him and Him alone.
If
Christ comes today will you be ready? Are you prepared to meet Him? Have you
taken Jesus into your heart? Have you prepared your family so that they are
ready?
LEARNING:
Our
memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 1:21.
For
to me to live is Christ and to die is gain
PRAYER:
Help
me and my family to be prepared every moment of every day for Your soon to come
return to this earth. May our actions always honor You and may others always
see You through our lives. Let us know Your joy and peace that comes with the
glorious anticipation of Your soon return.
