I had been a high school teacher for many years, but upon moving to another district, I decided to become a supply teacher on call in case of illness or emergency.
The early morning call to ask for my help was always unexpected. After surviving some long and difficult days in the classroom, I learned there were some things I could do to prepare for such times. I must never become overtired. I must always take good care of my physical appearance. I must be sure to allow myself time to read my Bible and ask God for help. I learned to prepare for the unexpected call.
Trouble in our lives is never expected. Death of a loved one may come instantly, cancer may be discovered in our body, or our marriage may fall apart when least expected. The wise man learns to prepare his heart for difficult times so he will be able to handle them when they come.
There is a beautiful promise in the Bible--a promise, but also a warning.
It has been said that in order to prevent misinterpretation of scripture, we should be able to quote at least four verses which agree, just as a foundation for a building requires four walls. The message to which I refer does have four walls--it is mentioned four times, actually more than four! Jesus said it (Matt 24:30-31), His disciple Peter said it (2 Peter Chapter 3), the Apostle Paul said it (I Thess 5:2), and Jesus' disciple John said it (Rev 1:7). We cannot quote scripture from higher authority than Jesus and those who knew Him best. All four scriptures tell us that Jesus is coming to remove His own people before He judges the wicked in a period of great tribulation.
The early church waited in eager expectation for this event, but today as other Biblical prophecies fall into place we can look forward with new hope. Many Jews are returning to Israel as predicted, the State of Israel being formed in 1948. The prophets predicted an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on all mankind (Joel 2:28-29). This is happening as revival is breaking out around the world with a flood of signs, wonders and miracles such as the world has never known. As country after country opens its doors to Christian television, the prophecy that the good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear it (Matt 24:14) is being fulfilled!
Jesus foretold that He will come when least expected (Luke 12:40). Scholars disagree as to the time, but scriptures tell us He will come while people are eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage (Luke 17:26). He will come unexpectedly as a thief in the night (I Thess 5:2-3). Two people will be in one bed, one will be taken and the other left (Luke 17:34).
Our hope, but also the warning, is that Jesus is going to return to fulfil His promise. It seems incredible that many today have never heard about this event so well documented in Biblical prophecy. Satan has been trying to prevent our reading and understanding it because he doesn't want to lose his people to the One greater than he.
After the removal of the purified church and a time of false peace, the tribulation period will begin. Later, Jesus and His Bride will return to destroy the false messiah and set up a new world government in Jerusalem which will last for 1,000 years (Rev 20:2).
The baby Jesus lay in His manger hearing the angels tell the shepherds "Peace on earth good will to men" (Luke 2:14). "Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10). Those who love Jesus are hearing the same voices today. However, when He returns to take His own out of the world in an unexpected visit, the nations will weep in sorrow and in terror (Rev 1:7) when they realize they did not make it. Their hope will fade as war, plague, and famine break out upon the earth to bring the ungodly to repentance.
Just as I had to prepare for those early morning phone calls, let us get ready for the unexpected rescue mission of our Lord!
© 1999, Doreen Palmer