Mark 13:28-31 NKJV — “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
The season has changed and of course, the unrighteous and the uninformed will tell you that it’s because of “climate change,” but what season is it really? Torrential rainfall in the New England area of the United States, another blistering hot summer in Texas and the southwest region of the USA, which residents of the region will tell you that it’s a commonplace occurrence every year. Somehow we are managing to survive the calamities of COVID-19, inflation and uncontrollable, dangerous government policies, understanding and not forgetting that it has come at a great price. The 2020’s began with the storm of COVID-19 and though it seems to be dissipating, the overcast of turmoil, lawlessness and unrighteousness have taken hold and there seems to be no relief in sight. “What’s next?” – It’s a question we all seem to be asking. The train that takes us to that “Promised Land” we desire to reach is waiting for us to board. While the provisions are being loaded and the locomotive is being refueled, the conductor awaits the order to make the announcement and shout, “ALL ABOARD!” – For all that are ready, they will climb aboard, take a seat and leave their “troubles” behind.
So we rush to the self-service, check-in kiosks, which have become commonplace in this socially distant world, and look for the earliest departure. Some of us rush to the gate, but there are many who believe they have plenty of time to get their affairs together even though the train is ready for departure.
Mark 13:32-33 NKJV — “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
Unexpectedly, the whistle blows and the “All Aboard” is given. For those who took their time waited too long. Did they miss that all important notification? Was the cell phone set on silent? Who knows? Maybe the “Eye” phone got the date wrong? Whatever the reason is, the rush to make the train is on.
No matter how hard people try to catch the train, “Murphy’s Law” goes into action. Delays, barriers and detours take people off the path to the train station. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, but the whistle has sounded and the struggle continues. The station is just ahead. They tumble out of the car with a suitcase in hand and as they come to the departure gate they find that the train is gone. How could this have happened? The price for the trip was paid. All they had to do was be there when the “Express” arrived, get on board and enjoy the “rapture” of the trip to paradise. They did not keep watch and they missed the train.
In chapter 13 of the Gospel According to Mark, the disciples ask Jesus what would be the signs of the end of the age and the Lord’s pending return. As we read we find that we have been witnessing a lot of the events Jesus was foretelling.
Mark 13:3-13 NKJV — Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. “But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
The Gospel of Matthew in chapter 24 and the Gospel of Luke in chapter 21 also record what Jesus says about the last days and the times we are living in. When the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic began it gave the world an opportunity to have a sneak preview of what things might look like after an event like the rapture were to take place.
Empty churches, empty streets and empty stadiums. The surreal images that we witnessed on the 24 hour news outlets made many wonder if the time had come for the vanishing of the saints. Though the rapture did not occur, we can’t deny that it may well be the next great event on the horizon.
The question we must ask ourselves is, “Are we ready for the rapture of the church or are we too busy listening to “experts” telling us to “follow the science” instead of hearing the Word of God, taking up the cross and following Jesus?
Mark 8:34-36 NKJV — When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
The ongoing violence, civil unrest and illegal immigration being displayed on the nightly news has given many doomsday predictors and modern day, internet, so-called prophets the platform to claim that they know the day and hour when the Lord will return, but Jesus was very clear when he said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32 NKJV )
Which means for all of us to pray and be aware of the times we live in, because soon and very soon the Lord will return, with the sound of a trumpet, to receive those who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour and are watching for His return.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV — For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
The failure of missing this “Train,” known as the rapture, will be devastating. For the days that follow will be a tribulation like no other since the creation of the world.
The price was paid by Jesus Christ when He was crucified on the cross. Your reservation is secured and can be confirmed if we just believe and trust in Him. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is the ticket you need to climb aboard.
Mark 13:34-37 NKJV — “It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— “lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
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