Just over two years ago, I was able to post a message about “Knowing You’ll Be There,” and I included a song made famous by the Gather Vocal Band to go with it. Since that time, numerous events have taken place that makes my longing for Home even more intense. Some loved ones have passed into eternity, and the condition of this world is deteriorating at a pace that accelerates almost daily. The song lyrics are again included in this message for those who missed it before. (any emphasis mine)
In the past, we relied on news media that took pride in bringing us the latest events, and for the most part, were honest and straightforward. Today, it’s nearly impossible to find any media that is unbiased and honest. Stories are slanted to depict what they want us to believe rather than what is the actual truth. Some are so far off-center from the real truth that it is amazing anyone actually believes them. The “delusion” of 2 Thessalonians 2 is obviously here now for those who will refuse to believe what is about to take place.
This shows that false prophets and antichrists are increasing, just as the Bible said (1 John). We are getting to the “season” Jesus spoke of that would usher in the 7-year tribulation, giving Satan almost unlimited free reign over this earth. It’s a time that God will allow the events to happen for the discipline of His chosen people. At the end of this terrible time, all will believe that Jesus is the true Messiah (Matthew 24; Luke 21; 1 John 2-5; Romans 11:25-27). The sad part of this is that almost 2/3 of the population will perish in that tribulation period, according to Zechariah 13:8.
For true believers worldwide today, we take heart in Luke 21:28; “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” All the signs given by Jesus, Paul, John, Peter and others are here right now.
There is a definite falling away from Jesus, just as He and others said there would be (Matthew 24:10; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11). Satanic activity is out in the open as never before. The preparation for the appearance of the ultimate evil antichrist is gaining support from many places, including a significant number in our government. The younger generation is more susceptible to the new world order, and the majority are turning away from anything to do with the gospel.
Israel is being set up by our current government and the rest of the world to be totally on their own. They are about to face the Ezekiel 38 war as the coalition of Russia, Iran and Turkey is in place for the first time ever. Though there isn’t a complete bond between them yet, God is placing “hooks in their jaws,” as given in Ezekiel 38:4. All three are having financial problems, and there sits tiny Israel with all those assets just waiting to be taken. God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 is being totally ignored.
The coming out of the antichrist is very near, as there will be a “perfect 7-year peace plan” at the end of the Ezekiel 38 conflict. Before he can appear, the event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 has to take place. That is known as the Rapture, or the taking up of all true believers in Jesus to meet Him in the air. The reason we must go first is given in 2 Thessalonians 2. The “man of lawlessness” cannot come forth until the “Restrainer” is removed. That would be the Holy Spirit that indwells all who have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior. All who have not received and accepted Jesus will remain here, at least for the beginning of that terrible tribulation period.
For us, to go up to meet Jesus in the air has many rewards. Not only do we get to see our Blessed Savior for the first time, but we also get new forever bodies and a new mindset that will be immune from Satan’s temptations. The song “I Can Only Imagine” has a good line that says, “Will I be able to stand at all?” It’s hard to imagine what our reaction will be when we are finally in His presence.
Another remarkable event will be when we are reunited with our loved ones that left the earth before us. All who were “in Christ” when they passed will receive their new bodies just a second before those who are still alive, and we will all be together in the presence of our Lord and Savior. All the evil, hurt, suffering and death we experienced here will be forgotten. Just knowing what a glorious reception that believers – the flock of the Shepherd – will experience puts a longing within us to be Home.
AS the song says, “Knowing you’ll be there makes it easy to go Home.”
(1) The other day I passed the place you always liked to go. And I picked up the phone because I thought you’d want to know. But I forgot you weren’t there; I miss you all these days, but I’m reminded of your smile and the funny things you’d say.
(2) I see you most at Christmas; you were like a little kid. You always loved a good surprise, and now I must admit that I long more for Heaven than I ever did before. You gave me one more reason, and each day I want it more.
(ref) Knowing we can spend a lifetime reminiscing on the past. Knowing I will see your face again where tender moments last. It makes me want to go there, knowing I won’t be alone. Knowing you’ll be there makes it easy to go Home.
(3) You left a group of fishermen; somehow, you left me too. Though I have felt you many times and know you saw me through. I’ve always longed to feel your arms and look into your eyes, and talk forever, me and you, somewhere in paradise. (ref)
To be certain that you will be at that glorious celebration and reunion, the ABCs of Salvation explain what is to be done. No one who rejects the free gift of God that was paid for by His Son Jesus at Calvary will be there. Their destiny will be the judgment at the Great White Throne and then the lake of fire forever.
For our part, it’s a free-will choice. Admit we have sinned and will sin until we receive our glorified bodies (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). When we confess our sins to the Savior and ask His forgiveness, He will not turn us away, and the Father will grant forgiveness based on His Son.
Believe Jesus died in our place to satisfy our only complete sin sacrifice that the Father could accept. God raised Him from the dead to conquer sin and death for all who would accept Jesus as their Savior (Romans 10:9-12).
Finally, Call on the name of the Lord to be our Savior, and we are promised we will be saved (Romans 10:13).
From that moment on, our destiny is set. Our eternal address will be at the place prepared for us by Jesus’ own hand (John 14:1-3).
This world is not going to get any better, no matter what any faux news tells us. To avoid the worst 7-year period of time this world will ever see, and more importantly, to avoid being separated from the Savior forever, call on Him today. His call – the Trumpet of God and the shout from an archangel – could be at any moment now.
Choose not to lose but to gain the prize of eternity with Jesus our Lord and Savior and to be with all the saints that will be with us. To wait for later could be the worst mistake anyone could ever make.
Come, Lord Jesus – Longing to Go Home!