In the movie “The Hobbit, the Battle of Five Armies,” the dwarfs and elves are ready to go to war over the gold in the mountain. Greed is ruling the day when all of a sudden the Orcs come out of the mountain, and the two armies have to unite to defeat them and save the woefully prepared human army. When it seems all the armies are going to lose the Orcs, the dwarfs guarding the gold in the mountain come out and turn the tide. One day Jesus will arrive on the scene and take His church when it seems like all hope is lost.
1 THESSALONIANS 4:16
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
Missed the Rapture?
The people of Thessalonica thought they had missed the rapture. Paul assures them they haven’t by telling them what will happen when the rapture comes. There will be a shout from the millions of angels in heaven declaring that Jesus is coming. Think of how you’ve seen armies shout before they charge into battle. Then, Jesus will descend on a cloud and gather His bride, the church. Paul further clarifies how you will know it is happening. The dead in Christ will rise first. Those who have died and gone to heaven will have their bodies rise out of the grave. (This includes those who have been cremated) Then those who are still living will ascend to meet Christ in the clouds. It will be a glorious moment.
Thief in the Night
Christians today still think they missed the rapture. When I was young, I watched movies like “Thief in the Night” and got scared I missed it when I couldn’t get ahold of my parents. As an adult and much more mature Christian, I know that Christ will come for his whole church, and those who have put their faith in Jesus will be part of that group. If you are assured of your salvation, you too will be included.
Seems Like All Hope is Lost
Time is getting short. The rapid increase of evil in this world points to the soon return of Jesus. In my study of end-time prophecy, I am convinced that time is quickly approaching. It seems like all hope is lost, but the tide will change in the blink of an eye. 1 Corinthians 15 tells us that we will be transformed from our old decrepit bodies into new ones that will be perfect. Don’t lose hope. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
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