Lo, He is Coming

Wow, it didn't take long for Mr Camping to admit he was wrong - and choose another date. But his own words have already proven himself to be a false prophet without the Word of God - and thus not to be listened to. (Feel free to review the "Old" Testament if you don't understand that statement - as it is very clear how we can know if someone truly is speaking for our Father.) But that is not the topic of this post; the "rapture" is.

I am an odd duck in my family. I grew up with the teaching of the rapture, with the Thief in the Night movies, and with Mr Lahaye's popular books. But I also believe this to be the biggest lie of the devil with absolutely no Scriptural support. Every verse that I grew up with as support for a rapture reads the exact opposite to me and has for over 20 years. But I largely stay silent on the topic because I am not one to argue and be disagreeable.

But I feel a need to speak briefly. For I am watching the news and as the years go by, I see more and more of the birthing pangs spoken of by my Lord in Matthew 24. And Mr Camping is a part of those birthing pangs - with his "Lo he is here" and "Lo he is there."

And then the "popular response" to his so obviously false predictions is that no one can know the hour. Which totally ignores the next section of the passage that shows that it is in fact a warning to always live as Christ would live so you can see the signs and know that he is returning. So you can use the talents that He has given you and multiply His investment and return to Him a profit on His investment in you. That only to one who says that He will not return for a very long time will the day overtake him as thief in the night.

So here is a true Word of the Lord. Open your eyes you who serve the Living God. The labor pains have begun and Jesus will one day return to set His house in order and to judge the wicked. His promises are given to those who overcome and reach the end of the race. There is no escape, no pitch hitter to take your place, and the race must be made to the end. We have been promised to be treated as He was treated - to suffer ridicule and punishment, not to be taken away from pain and coddled.

He suffered so brutally all the way to the death on a cross. Are you willing to suffer for Him? Or are you awaiting the safety hatch to open and spare you His judgement signs that are given to open peoples eyes to their sin and pride and to His grace and peace.

He is coming again. Maybe it will be today and maybe it will be another thousand years yet. But we are told to live every day as if it would be today. Are you multiplying His gifts in you for His profit? Or are you looking out for numero uno and how to advance your own power and glory?