May 21, 2011 - Did rapture occur? Are we the left behind?

I haven't blogged in a couple of months. Just got tied up with the purchase of our first family home. We signed a contract on February 16th, and after having a contractor complete some work in the house, we moved in to our new home in April. On May 21st we had our house warming  prayer that was attended by family and church members.  I will write about God's grace experienced during the purchase of this home at a later time.

May 21st was also a day for rapture - the second coming of Christ according to some folks.  In most cities, there were full blown advertisements by the group promoting this.  I heard there was one follower of this group who took out all his life savings to take out ads on the subway systems in New York and in other parts of the country.  I am sure there were many other follower of this preacher who did the same.

Man's attempt to predict the second coming of Christ is based on this foolish notion that he has figured out God; his pride filled thought equating his intelligence and process of reasoning to an infinitely wise God, a God of whom king David wonders in awe in Psalms 8:3-4 and declares in humility upon realizing his insignificance (this was the boy who killed a lion and a bear; the boy who slew the giant Goliath; the king of Judah and Israel),

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you have set in place - what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?

How could any man come to conclude that he has figured out God's plans when Christ himself warns us of the end days and the hour of rapture as following,

"However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.  Only the Father knows.  And since you don't know when they will happen stay alert and keep watch." - Mark 13:32-33

Christ warns us of the end days to watch out for false prophets and implores us to stay alert and prayerful,

"Don't let anyone mislead you, because many will come in my name, claiming to be the Messiah. They will lead many astray.  And wars will break out near and far, but don't panic.  Yes, these things must come, but the end won't follow immediately.  Nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, and famines.  But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come."

The question we should ask of ourselves is not when will IT happen, rather ask - are we ready if that moment happens to be right now, this moment.

How do we make sure that we are not misled when the Bible warns that even God's elect could be mislead if they are not careful? We should pay attention to Jehovah's instructions to Joshua in the book of Joshua 1:8,

"Study this Book of the Law continually.  Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it.  Only then will you succeed."

Only if you heed this instruction from God will you be prepared, only then will you know the right from the wrong.  Don't be misled, make bible study a part of your daily life.  Study the Bible for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind to understand his Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to write his Words upon your heart and your mind as Jehovah promised to the Israelites so that his children may understand his commands, his desires for your life and obey them fully. If you ask him to make you understand the Word, He will do that for you!