1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. NLT
The world has heard about several wonders. We have read and heard about the 7th wonder of the world and other things that seem to draw attention of intellectuals.
There is an event that will happen which will surpass all the world's wonders ever seen. This event will be divinely orchestrated without human input. All the wonders in the world are purely human in design and input but the coming wonders shall be totally divine.
We call it the rapture of saints. That's the last world wonder. The saints of God shall disappear from the earth to reappear in heaven. Hallelujah!!! I can't wait to experience this glorious wonder.
When we rapture to heaven, we shall be with the Lord for seven years in heaven. Two major events shall happen up there: Bema judgement( 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10) and marriage supper of the lamb( Eph. 5: 27; Rev. 19: 1-14; Matt. 22: 1-14).
At Bema judgement, the believer shall receive the reward for work done while in the body. At marriage supper of the lamb, we shall feast with Christ our groom. It shall be a glorious union.
The message on rapture is lost in so many pulpits today. Some go to church in a year without hearing about the coming of Christ. Apostle Paul said, "So encourage each other with these words"( 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NLT).
The message about rapture should be an encouragement to every believer. There's so much sorrow, struggle and pain on earth. Some have lost their loved ones and things aren't going on well. However, knowing that we shall meet with Christ someday should encourage us all.
The message of rapture should make us prepare and expectant. The lines of one of my favourite hymn reads:
When Jesus comes to reward His servants,
Whether it be noon or night,
Faithful to Him will He find us watching,
With our lamps all trimmed and bright?
Are you prepared to meet the Lord?
I receive the grace to live ready in Jesus name