When our Lord Jesus returns, we will be gathered up to meet him. So I ask you, my friends, not to be easily upset or disturbed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this directly from the Holy Spirit, or from someone else, or even that they read it in one of our letters. But don’t be fooled! People will rebel against God. Then before the Lord returns, the wicked one who is doomed to be destroyed will appear.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late 2014, the movie Left Behind* debuted. The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele, an airline pilot who discovers that the Rapture has come while he was in flight - and he was “left behind”, along with his daughter and countless others. In the blink of an eye, Steele’s wife and son – both born-again Christians - were carried to heaven with others who professed a belief in Jesus Christ. We’ve not seen the movie yet…but we did read all of the books in the “Left Behind” series…and I assume that the film depicts the chaos that ensues as people try to cope with what happens after millions of people suddenly vanish into thin air.
I enjoyed reading the “Left Behind” series, written by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. I found the story to be an interesting “take” on the Book of Revelation and what could happen when things are put into motion for the Second Coming of Christ. I know several people who devote a lot of time to studying “end times” and Bible prophecy. They put a lot of stock in signs and symbols…and turn things like beautiful “blood moons” into a warning that “Doomsday” is upon us!
Again, I do not discount the prophecy of the Bible – nor do I condemn those who express such an interest in these things. At the same time, I do not operate in fear and worry over when Jesus will return…and what this “sign” or that means. I would rather enjoy the beautiful red moon rises that God gives us than worry about whether they signal “the beginning of the End!” In the words of the Apostle Paul…I am content to go or stay.
Sadly, a lot of Christians have become more concerned with worrying about “end times” than in living for Jesus now! If you know where you are headed…and Who you serve…your interest in the “Doomsday” message should be limited to a mere passing glance. This doesn’t mean that we should argue with those who worry. But since we don’t plan on being “left behind”…we needn’t be bothered by their talk. Focus on demonstrating your faith and confidence in Jesus…enjoy reading this series of books if you wish – and seeing the movie…and serve as a walking example of the Light of Christ.
In Psalm 16:11, we read…”You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” It’s time we stopped worrying about the future and started living in the nearness of Jesus. He is HERE…He is by our side. Let’s serve him with a joyful and peaceful heart this year. Let’s make this the year that worry and fear are “left behind”.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467046/
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