In my daily process of reviewing world news websites for signs of prophetic fulfillment, this particular article really jumped out at me. Its from The Independent and I quote, "G8 set out to fight famine, war, pestilence and death." -- If I hadn't known better, I would have thought this was a prophecy newsletter discussing the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, revealed in Revelation, chapter 6.
Those of us who study scripture know that the end of the age is coming quickly. We hear the hoofbeats of the four horsemen growing louder with each passing day.
Lets for a moment quickly review the sequence of events leading up to our Savior's coming reign. First, we will see an increase of the aforementioned famine, war, pestilence and death. -- These are part of the birth pains mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
Next, those of us who are pre-tribulationists believe that the Rapture of the church will take place.
I Thessalonians 4:17 tells how we believers "Will be caught up together" to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever. (For a complete teaching on "The Rapture", go to the Teaching tab on this website.)
Right after this occurs, there will be a seven year Tribulation period spoken of in great detail in Revelation, Chapters 6 through 18. - Then, at its completion the Lord comes back to Earth to defeat Satan and his hordes in the Battle of Armageddon and then rule this earth for one thousand years (Revelation 20). -- The rest of the story takes place in Revelation 21 and 22.
Now, to the point of this week's commentary, let's go back to the Rapture of the church for a moment. While we Christians await this day with great anticipation, it has also created a dilemma for many of us -- and that is -- "What about our loved ones who are not yet saved?" -- "Yes Lord, we want you to come back, but would you please wait until my children are all saved?!"
In 2 Peter 3:8-9, scripture says that "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish..." -- But lets be honest, some will be left behind.
So what can we do? -- Just this past week, a close Christian friend mentioned this worry and asked what could be done. --- Was there something more she could do to reach this "lost" child?
Needless to say, I, along with many other brothers and sisters in Christ, have wrestled with this same worry. I have a daughter who is not saved and, trust me, it has caused my wife and I great anguish.
While we pray and hope for the best, we need to prepare for the alternative. The reality is, there will be those who will be left behind --- and if it is our daughter, we want to be sure she knows what happened.
So what we've done is tell her about our Lord and that he is coming for us -- and when she gets up one day and we are gone, there is a letter waiting for her in our top desk drawer.
The letter says,
"To our baby girl,
Right now you are very confused. -- No, there has been no invasion from outer space!
You are reading this because Mom and I, along with millions of other people, have disappeared --- babies and children still innocent in God's eyes - have vanished.
There is much to fear, but not for those who are missing. They placed their faith in Christ Jesus alone and have all been taken to Heaven.
I Thessalonians tells us that the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout -- with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God that the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with Him in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord!
But there is still hope for you that have been left behind. There is approximately seven years before the final battle and the ultimate destruction of the evil one. If you turn to the Lord Jesus Christ you can and will be saved from the final judgement of Hell. --- With all our hearts we hope that this is your decision so that we can be together with our Lord and Savior in everlasting happiness and joy. -- May our God protect and bless you in this difficult time of tribulation.
We will eternally love you,
Mom and Dad"
Now I know our daughter thinks we are a bit kooky and certainly crazy --- but she loves us anyway. -- And when the Rapture takes place, she will have an explanation of what has happened.
And here's the good news! She will remember what we told her and she will know that we weren't so crazy after all! -- And then the great news -- she will accept the Lord and will be saved along with millions of other during this last seven years of great tribulation.
Yes, it will be a horrible time -- but remember that it is short and they will join us in victory for eternity!! -- Hallelujah!!
So ---- Keep witnessing to those you love even if you meet resistance. The more they know when the day comes, the more chance there is for their salvation.
Don't give up!!!
Until next time,
Red
P.S. If the Lord takes us home before the Rapture, it will just be another opportunity to witness to her.