Rapture Ready

http://www.flickr.com/photos/junnn/

Rapture has been a term thrown around a lot in the weeks past. The said date came and went we are still here. Obviously. Anyone who actually studies the bible will know that the time of this event is not known.

According to the bible (mar 13:32) none except the Father knows it. Even though one doesn’t believe the predictions made, one can’t help but think about it. Am I ready for rapture? If one were to recall the Exodus in the Old Testament, or rather the preparation for Exodus. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb, separate themselves by marking their thresholds, with the blood of the lamb, and eat their supper standing while girded and be ready.

Rapture happens in the twinkling of an eye according to the bible. Meaning it happens before one even realized it happened. So when Rapture happens how would I like to be found. Matt 13:35 instructs us to watch. I can think of a couple of scenarios. Note that this is based on my understanding of Rom 8:1 that once saved always saved. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

First let see what could be counted as outright embarrassing. I don’t want to be found doing any of these. Note there are more activities that can be added to this but list below should suffice to illustrate the point being made.

• Wasting my time in frivolous activities
• Explicitly breaking the commandments
• Acting in a manner not befitting a saved child of God
• Ignoring Jesus’ teachings

Imagine how horrible and embarrassing it would look and feel if rapture were to happen and one finds oneself in front of the King or Kings and Savior Jesus. Is that how one wants to remember the moment for eternity? Certainly not!

Now coming to how I would like to be found. Imagine being found in the glorious presence of Jesus in the midst of one of these activities that please him and activities which we don’t have to stop but continue from one level to the utmost beautiful heavenly level in the twinkling of an eye.

• worshipping and singing one of the beautiful classical hymns.
• Reading the Bible
• Meditating on the word of God
• Memorizing Scripture
• On my knees praying
• Comforting an ailing fellow human
• Fulfilling my duties at workplace to the best of my abilities

I cannot even imagine what joyful thing it would be to find oneself in front of Jesus in mid stanza of worship, mid sentence of a prayer, reading a verse and pondering on who to ask and find oneself in front of the greatest Teacher, mid prayer and find oneself kneeled in front of king of kings, the author and finisher of all things good. WOW!!!

So being ready for rapture not a task that I can do once and relax, but it is an ongoing process of self-examination and be in Christ continually. More importantly watch! To conclude I should not worry about when the rapture will happen but what would like to be found doing when rapture happens.

1Cr 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Cr 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.