As we delve into Biblical prophecy, we discover that all that was foretold for the past has happened exactly as predicted. We can therefore be assured that what is prophesied for the future is certain to take place!
Jesus told His disciples what will take place in the last days (Matt.24). He deliberately did not place events in chronological order because He said we were not to know exact dates or times. But He told of some people suddenly disappearing, and of others being left, and about the terrible times which will follow. The Book of Revelation confirms how frightening the world will be for those who are left behind (Rev.8 to Rev.18). Certainly anyone in his right mind would desire to "meet the Lord in the air" as the Apostle Paul foretold in I Thess.4:16-17.
In order to belong to the "radiant church without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish...holy and blameless" (Eph 5:27) which will not be part of the period of great trouble, we will have to accept Jesus as Lord and obey Him. We are not to be the lukewarm Christians of whom Jesus said, "Because you are neither hot nor cold I will spew you out of my mouth" (Rev.3:15-16).
After we have dealt with our own spiritual condition, we begin to look to our families and those we love most. Will they be able to go with us, or will they remain to endure God's judgment? We cry out in prayer as Moses cried to Pharaoh on God's behalf many years ago, "Let my people go" (Exod.7:16).
When Moses brought the families out of Egypt, he said that "not a hoof is to be left behind" (Ex.10:26). Even the cattle were to go. Likewise Noah and his family were saved from the flood (Gen.7:1).
God blesses the family unit, and protects it.
King Solomon, an ancestor of Jesus, wrote about a loving mother who made sure that all her household were "clothed with scarlet" (Prov. 31:21) This reminds us of the need for a loving mother to pray that her family be covered and protected by Jesus' blood.
The scarlet cord which Rahab, the prostitute, tied in her window so that her relatives might be rescued represents the blood-line of Jesus--the red thread of redemption. "Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute with her family and all who belonged to her" because she had been faithful (Josh.6:25).
Jesus prays for us and His angels minister to all who will later come into the faith (Heb.1:14). God loves our children!
When the jailer asked the Apostle Paul what he must do to be saved, Paul replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household" (Acts 16:31).
© 1999, Doreen Palmer