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Countdown
by Donald Mehl A life-altering event that would soon change the course of all humanity had been scheduled for a very long time. For many people, or perhaps even most of them, the life altering changes would consist of a devastating time of disaster and trouble that had never before been experienced by anyone. However, a few other folks would experience a wonderful and glorious change in their existence that would be far beyond anything they could ever imagine. The timing for that event was now exactly right, all according to a perfect master plan. With all systems set to go, the command was given that started the final countdown. 10 . . . . 9 . . . . 8 . . . . The concept of this planned occurrence had never been concealed from anyone for nearly two thousand years. Nor were important details ever withheld from anyone who chose to learn about them. Over the years, many warnings had always been readily available alerting all to the fact that the event would surely take place one day. The exact day and hour had remained a closely guarded top secret, and therefore, had never been disclosed to anyone. However, the warnings were always very clear concerning certainty and imminence as well as urgent pleas for preparedness. 7 . . . . 6 . . . . 5 . . . . Countless millions of people at some point in their life had heard something about this event. Most of them scoffed at the idea claiming that it was ridiculous and would never ever happen. Some of them were skeptical saying that even if it were to happen, it would certainly be at least a hundred years or more into the future. Many others did not want to see it occur during their lifetime because they loved the trappings of this world more than they loved the things of God. They simply didnt want their lives disrupted by such an event, so the warnings were ignored. 4 . . . . 3 . . . . There were many other people, however, who believed that all of scripture was Gods holy inspired and unchanging Word, as He commanded for all of His followers. They knew the Bible was absolute truth from cover to cover. That included all things from the creation account, the salvation message, eternity future and everything in between. Many hundreds of prophecies had been fulfilled in the past, all with detail exactly as foretold. The remaining unfulfilled prophecies, including the second coming events, would surely happen exactly as foretold as well, all according to Gods perfect plan and timing. The folks in this group were true born again believers washed by the blood of the cross and were anxiously awaiting Jesus promised call to spend all of eternity with Him. The event that was about to take place would not alarm or surprise any of them because they had obeyed the many scripture commands to watch, pray and expect His imminent return. 2 . . . . 1 . . . . RAPTURE! Revelation 3:10 (NIV) Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live in the earth. Colossians 3:4 (NKJV) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 1 Corinthians 15:51,52 (NKJV) Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 (NKJV) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. The final countdown for the rapture could happen today. Are you ready for that hour? Are you watching and anxiously awaiting the trumpet sound that will announce that great meeting with the Lord in the air? Do you long to see Him face to face? At the rapture, Jesus will only appear to those who have truly surrendered their heart and life to Him, and to those who anticipate seeing Him appear for them at any moment. Have you met Him at the cross and humbly reached out by faith alone to receive His free gift of salvation? Is He your Savior, Master and the Lord over all things in your life? Can you answer yes to all those questions? You must be very sure! During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up! Donald Mehl Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |