The Rapture: Will You Be Left Behind?

Just another day, like every other day. People will be in their cars, at work, in bed, getting married, going to parties, playing with their kids, watching the game, sitting down for a meal, playing golf, going to the mall and SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY Jesus will come. People will disappear, leaving piles of clothes and jewelry where they once stood. Swings will dangle empty as children go to be with Jesus. Driverless vehicles will careen out of control. The world will go into utter chaos, caught by complete surprise. Jesus said it would be that way.

Matthew 24:42-44 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

He’s coming UNEXPECTEDLY. Jesus said, “When you least expect it, EXPECT IT!” Let me give you an assignment: Take a poll of several people this week and ask them if they think Jesus is coming back any time soon. Watch how many of them look at you like your nuts! They’re not watching! They’re not ready! They think the church has been “crying wolf” about this “rapture thing” for years and “nothing ever happens.’ It’s just wacko religious stuff for “extremists.” Tabloid fodder for the National Inquirer.

All that just makes me realize the coming of Jesus is nearer than it’s ever been before because he’s coming UNEXPECTEDLY. Like a thief in the night. When you least expect it. Moments after it happens, millions of people will say, “Oh if only I’d been ready!” but it will be too late. What a shock. What a dreadful surprise. “The Son has come and you’ve been left behind.” Matthew 25:13 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Are you ready? Are you watching and waiting? Is your lamp trimmed and filled with oil in anticipation of the bridegroom’s coming? Or are you in for the shock of your life?

I Thessalonians 5:4 – “But you brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” You’ve been warned. You’re without excuse. He’s coming UNEXPECTEDLY. Will you be left behind?

SUDDENLY, like lightning.

UNEXPECTEDLY, like a thief.

3. IT WILL COME SPECIFICALLY. When Jesus comes, he’s only coming for those who are “watching and waiting” for his return.

Matthew 24:40-41 – “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”

Jesus will know who he’s coming for. He’s coming selectively. He’s coming SPECIFICALLY.

Matthew 25:1-10 (READ)

The Bridegroom is not coming for everyone. He’s only coming for those who are ready. II Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will aware to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” He’s not coming for “the good people.” He’s not coming for the “religious people.” He’s not coming for people who have read the bible and gone to Sunday School when they were kids. He’s not coming for you just because you’ve been baptized or confirmed or because you’re a member of a local church.