END TIME THOUGHTS
MATTHEW 24:36-42
MATTHEW 24:36-42 NKJ
36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
OBSERVATION:
In chapter 24 of the book of Matthew, Jesus is speaking prophetically regarding the end times. The disciples had asked Him about His coming and the end of the age.
I do not claim to be an expert by any means regarding end-time events. There are some ministries that have a grace to understand the upcoming events. I do not make that claim but here are some end time thoughts.
In our verses for today, Jesus appears to be describing what we call the rapture or the catching away of the church. This is a different event and time from the Great Tribulation he talks about in verses 15-28.
What stands out in our passage is that this catching away will literally catch people by surprise. Jesus compares it to the days of Noah. Life was taking place as normal during the time Noah was building the ark. This was not a time of great stress and visible trauma.
Jesus mentions two men in the field and women working at the mill. Life is normal until one is taken and the other is left behind. This appears to be what Paul is talking about in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18.
And Jesus warns about not being aware and alert, for we don't know when He is coming back.
APPLICATION:
There are so many theories as to the Great Tribulation and the timing of the Rapture of the Church. Some people believe that the rapture takes place before the tribulation. They are pre-trib people. Those who believe the rapture follows the great tribulation are post-trib.
I am in the pre-tribulation group. I believe we will be caught away before the terrible events of the tribulation.
But what if I am wrong? Then I believe the Lord will never leave me or forsake me, and when my days on earth are done, I will depart and go to Him. Either way, I win. And if you are a believer, you win also.
So don't get caught up in pre- or post-trib. Live for God, stay strong, make a difference while you are here, and stay ready.
When the trumpet blows, we go!