Surprise!
Today’s Verse:
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. ~1 John 2:28
Like yourself, I enjoy unplanned-for surprises that surround a special event or celebration. When my father celebrated his 70th birthday, we surprised him with a large banquet that included many guests and gifts. He was pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, none of us like to be surprised by an event or occurrence that catches us totally unaware. The next big event on the prophetic calendar is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ for all true, born-again believers. We call this the Rapture of the church. It is a well-anticipated event, but for some of God’s children, it may come as a surprise.
It is a stated event.
Jesus spoke of His coming. As Jesus ascended into Heaven, two angels nearby His disciples told them that the Lord Jesus would come in like manner as He ascended. Paul spoke of this event as “that day” or “the day of Christ.” John spoke of this event by referring to “when he shall appear.”
It will be a sudden event.
His return for us is described as a thief in the night. It will happen without notice. We do not have a date or time as to His appearing. For many people, they will be so occupied and immersed in other things that the Lord’s appearance will catch them off guard. Where will you be, what will you be doing, and who will you be found with?
It will be a swift event.
His coming for us will be at the speed of the twinkling of an eye. That is a fraction of a second. That is very fast! It will be preceded by a shout from the Lord, with the voice of the archangel, and by the trumpet of God. Many may not be prepared for the sounds or the swiftness in which Jesus will come.
It will be a sweet event.
It will be the removal of every living child of God from this world of woe, and it will happen just before a period of seven years of great tribulation on earth. The words describing the Rapture in the King James Version are the words “caught up.” This means “to snatch out.” It has the idea of snatching someone before they fall into a fire. It will also be a time of reunion. We will be reunited with loved ones who have preceded us.
It will be a sanctifying event.
Believers who have preceded us in death will be caught up first with resurrected bodies. Those of us who are alive will be transformed into His likeness. John said. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” All of us will receive a glorious body that will be immortal and incorruptible.
It will be a surprising event.
Some will be caught off guard! Some will be completely surprised that the Lord came when they were in the wrong place or doing the wrong thing or with the wrong people. They will be ashamed at His appearing.
It is a certain event.
John exhorts us to abide in Him so that when He comes, we might have confidence and not be ashamed at His coming. We are to live in anticipation of Jesus' return. We are to get our roots in Christ very deep. We are to be busy living for and serving Him. We need to be sure that we are doing God’s will for our life. Jesus is coming again! Don’t be surprised! Live with anticipation that His coming could be at any moment.
Have a ready God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Kings 9-11