by Prisca | 26 January 2020 08:46 pm01
Shalom, and welcome to this Bible study in the Word of God.
May the Holy Spirit help us again today as we reflect on His Word.
Many historical events recorded in the Bible are not just ancient stories but prophetic shadows of future events.
For example, consider the flood during the days of Noah. Jesus Himself said:
“As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.”
Matthew 24:37, ESV
In Noah’s time, people were living their lives unaware until sudden destruction came. Likewise, in the end times, people will declare “peace and safety,” yet sudden destruction will come (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Let us examine an event that took place just before the birth of Jesus, which also offers a prophetic picture of what will happen shortly before the rapture of the Church.
As Mary, the mother of Jesus, was nearing the time of giving birth, Satan had already detected the coming Messiah and began to scheme ways to eliminate Him even before or shortly after His birth.
Then came an unusual command from Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor at the time:
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”
Luke 2:1, ESV
This registration (or census) required every person to go back to their place of origin to be counted in essence, to receive an official identification.
There may have been several earthly motivations behind this:
This parallels modern times for example, today we see governments requiring SIM card registration with fingerprints to control cybercrime.
Although Caesar’s decree seemed political, God used it to fulfill prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
But Satan also had a plan to destroy the child Jesus. King Herod, manipulated by fear and satanic influence, issued a genocidal command:
“Then Herod… sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under…”
Matthew 2:16, ESV
Satan’s attack was focused. Why only Bethlehem and not the entire nation? Because Satan targets strategically, not randomly.
The grief that followed in Bethlehem was immense. It fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:18, ESV
This deep sorrow mirrors what Jesus later prophesied:
“And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!”
Matthew 24:19, ESV
He was not only reflecting on the past but pointing to the future to the Great Tribulation a time of unimaginable suffering.
Just as Caesar demanded a universal registration, a similar but sinister global system is coming.
The Antichrist will implement a new system, requiring all people to be registered likely using technology such as microchips, biometric IDs, or digital currencies. This system will carry the mark of the beast:
“…so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name… 666.”
Revelation 13:17–18, ESV
Each person will be required to validate their identity, possibly returning to their place of residence, just as during Caesar’s census.
In the midst of these global preparations, the rapture of the Church will occur suddenly. Just as Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus were divinely warned and escaped to Egypt, so the Church will be taken up into heaven removed from the coming wrath.
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9, ESV
Those left behind will face the full horrors of the Antichrist’s reign. And just as Herod slaughtered the innocent in Bethlehem, the Antichrist will persecute those who refuse the mark especially those who come to Christ after the rapture.
If you’re not taken up in the rapture, the only way to be saved will be to reject the mark of the beast, which will come with unimaginable persecution.
But there’s hope now.
“At that time Jesus said… ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said,
‘Here are my mother and my brothers!
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’”
Matthew 12:48–50, ESV
Are you doing the will of the Father or the will of the enemy?
Those living in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. Examples of such sinful lifestyles include:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19–21, ESV
These people will face the Great Tribulation unless they repent.
If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ, do not wait for tomorrow. The enemy may try to cut your life short before you surrender to Christ.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”
Hebrews 3:15, ESV
Salvation is a free gift. You’re not charged to hear this message. Don’t ignore it.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23, ESV
If you died today, where would your soul go?
Will you be counted among those who will escape the coming wrath like Mary and Joseph or will you be left behind in the coming judgment?
Repent today. Turn from sin. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ.
If you’re ready to commit your life to Christ, pray sincerely:
“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God.
I confess that I am a sinner and I repent of all my sins.
I ask You to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.
Wash me clean by Your blood, fill me with Your Holy Spirit,
and help me to live for You from today onward.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The signs of the end are clear. The preparations for the Antichrist’s system are underway.
But before it fully unfolds, Christ will come to take His Bride the Church to be with Him.
Will you be among them?
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Matthew 24:44, ESV
May the Lord bless you and give you the grace to stand firm.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/01/26/a-great-tribulation-is-coming-and-the-rapture-is-near/
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