5-5-2023
OCCUPY UNTIL I COME
The Book of Revelation is a fascinating book. It deals with end times. We are studying it on Tuesday evening. Other books of the bible deal with end times also. Jesus speaks a lot about what will happen in the last days in Matthew Chapter 24.
There are opposing views as to when Jesus will return to take his bride away. It has been referred to as “the rapture.” The word rapture is not in the bible. Caught up is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
Some believe Jesus will come in a secret catching away before the Great Tribulation starts or pre-tribulation. Others believe he will come in a secret catching away in the halfway or middle of the Great Tribulation, or mid-tribulation. And still others believe Jesus will come at the end of the Great Tribulation, post-tribulation, where every eye will see him at his coming, receiving his bride unto himself at that point.
We could debate all three views. It would cause divisiveness and that would not please God. The point isn’t when he is coming. It is that He is coming. Knowing this, we should work like he is coming back today but live like He isn’t coming back for a thousand years.
When he is coming is not as important as being prepared for whenever he comes. Jesus said to “…occupy till I come.” (Luke 19:13.) Occupy means to be busy with whatever God has given you the talent to do. Each of us has been commissioned to win the lost, so that is what we should focus on until Jesus’ return, and not worry about pre, mid, or post.
RUSSELL AND HELEN SANDERS
SPIRIT OF LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
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