I THESSALONIANS 4:16-18: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” NLT
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OBSERVATION: The Lord Jesus Christ is coming for His Church, the Bride of Christ. That day will be announced with a commanding shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God. There is nothing that needs to happen before this day takes place. It could take place at any moment. This brings me to an important question.

AM I READY?

Am I living a life that is filled with expectation, or am I simply existing from one day to the other? Am I using the gifts that God has given me to build His Kingdom, or am I simply living for my comfort and enjoyment? Is my life becoming more like Jesus Christ each day, or have I stagnated in my spiritual growth?

These questions are not meant to suggest that a true believer will be left behind when the rapture takes place. They are meant to stir up my spirit, to test my readiness, to measure my expectation. If I was a member of a wedding party, say the best man, then I would be at the church on time, with my tux on, and the wedding ring in my pocket. I would not be sitting at home watching TV and eating chips.

I think that we live our lives like Jesus’ return is something the Bible teaches but we probably won’t see in our lifetime. This is an easy attitude to cultivate seeing that it has been over 2000 years since Jesus walked this earth. However, this is an incorrect assessment of both Biblical truth and time. Peter addressed this attitude in his second epistle.

• “Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3:3-4, 8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Time is something that was created for man when God created the world. God is infinite and is not limited to time like we are. God’s promises are not dictated by man’s watch. A thousand years to man is like one day to God. Using this analogy, it has only been 2 days since Jesus walked this earth. The Lord has always done miraculous things on the third day! On the third day, He rose again from the dead. And, on the third day, He will return for His Church.

With this understanding, what manner of men and women should we be? Should we be slack concerning our church attendance and engagement in Kingdom business, or should we be faithful, diligent, and joyfully serving God where He has called us? Should our lives be filled with activities and habits that keep us from growing, or should we be coming to the Cross for cleansing and freedom? Should we hide from the world, or should we engage the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

I NEED TO BE READY FOR THE TRUMPET CALL OF CHRIST!

Think of it! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we will hear the last trump. God will miraculously pull together all the atoms of those who have died and will bring them together, transforming them into their glorious resurrection bodies. Then, those of us who are still alive will be caught up (raptured) into the air and joined with the saints who have been transformed. From that moment we will be free from this world of sin and united with Christ for all eternity.

THIS DAY COULD HAPPEN AT ANY MOMENT!

I am moved to challenge myself this morning. It is time to get ready. It is time to be engaged. It is time to remember that each day the Lord tarries is a day that He wants someone else to be saved. It is a time for churches to get out of their seats and into the streets. It is a time to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in the power of God!

IT IS A TIME TO BE READY!

• “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.” Matthew‬ ‭24:45-46‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lord, help me to be a faithful, sensible servant, fully engaged in my calling and doing Your will!

COME, LORD JESUS, COME!

In Jesus Name!