Hi Ola!
Indeed, the Lord is worthy to be praised! Yes, I do live in the States (Michigan). Possibly, we could be going home the first day of August. That would be absolutely wonderful! However, I love more His appearing, which means I expect Him even now. August 1st or the 8th
could be the day or as some believe not until September, but what if
the Lord came before you even finished reading this response? His ways and thoughts are higher than ours are and neither are they connected
to our ideas, hopes and desires. Whatever is desirable to Him is what will be. Though
it is honorable in His sight to search a matter out, we are
nevertheless vastly limited in our understanding in comparison to the
Heart of God. So it is with great humility and
prayer that we should seek Him and ask that our hearts not be turned
toward dates in and of themselves, but genuine love and devotion toward
His appearing and our redemption. Unfortunately,
some of us have become so enamored with figuring out the when aspects
of Christ’s return that we have become almost cavalier and nonchalant
concerning the things that are actually about to take place. In addition, we should be rejoicing now and thanking God with all our hearts for what
Christ has done that we may come into the kingdom of God.
I
too hope that the Lord comes ASAP, in fact I was quite convinced that
we would not see the end of June of 2008, let alone mid July. When June came and went with no rapture, my heart was crushed but I learned a few things from that experience. Primarily, it gave me an ever-greater understanding of the imminence of Jesus’ return. He
may come on a specific date as many have postulated for their various
reasons, but even if He were to come at that time, it is arrogant for
them to assume that His return should have to do with “their” reasoning. I
have seem some take almost a prideful stance as if they shall receive
some sort of reward for being right or pat on the back from their
fellow brother or sister in Christ once in heaven. It’s not about any person being right. Even some of the bickering going back and forth with people concerning the certain dates that Christ will return needs to stop. Such things are not Holy Spirit driven and those who do it should re-evaluate themselves concerning their hearts toward Christ. Jesus’ return has everything to do with Him and His purpose, not what we think nor understand. In the greater scheme of things, who are we?
Personally,
I believe that it is not a good idea to necessarily place a specific
date of the rapture in future terms and then “look” towards that
particular date. For some, not all, but some, it could cause moments of slackness in their watch and prayer. In other words, what about the mean time? In that “mean time” is where people become lost without even realizing it. It
wasn’t until the mid-night call that the unwise virgins realized that
their lamps had burned out and that they had no additional oil. Up until that point, they thought that all was well. This is exactly what is going to happen to
many Christians. During the “mean time” of their anticipated watch of that future day of Christ’s return their lamps will burn out. When
that day finally comes unannounced to them and at a time when they
thought not, that is when they will find that they have no oil. Remember, Jesus called them all virgins, but only five went. I
too get excited when dates are announced predicated upon scriptural
research and study especially when they line up with dreams and visions
I may have had, but nothing is more important to me than realizing that
nevertheless Jesus could come RIGHT NOW! I am
just a man, certainly capable of missing it regardless of what dreams
and visions I may have in addition to my research and studies
concerning the Word of God. I don’t believe the Lord plays mind games, I believe He gives us hope. He constantly reminds us through His Word that which He will inevitably do. I believe this is His purpose behind our dreams and visions. They are like His promise—the end result—if you will of what He intends to do. However
He performs what He says we must simply believe and walk in faith. As
we study and humble ourselves in prayer before Him, He tells us exactly
what He will do. Though He has not given us a
specific day as to when Jesus will return to rapture His people, He has
certainly given us every clue and understanding that His coming is
closer than close.
Other than getting our
hearts in order with the frame of mind that the time is at hand, what
more do we really need? We’re at the subway station so-to-speak waiting
on the train and though we can’t yet see it, we can certainly hear it
coming. How long should it take before it arrives? Surely, it will arrive momentarily.
What have I to lose if I anticipate Christ today as opposed to tomorrow? If
I anticipate Christ today and live my life accordingly, it puts so much
in perspective concerning life and the true values of it, not to
mention that it leaves no place for the enemy to wedge himself between
now and the anticipated date of Christ’s return. Perhaps
Jesus command for us to therefore watch and pray was to serve as a
power against the enemy to prevent him from distracting us from what’s
truly important.
What
is really scary that I have seen is that when people saw that the Lord
didn’t arrive as anticipated in June, many turned back to their
routines. They slowly started to involve themselves in things absent of Christ. Somewhere
in the recesses of their minds they began to convince themselves that
“well, perhaps Jesus isn’t coming too soon so I may as well focus on
other things until later;” that’s a very
dangerous place to be especially in light of what Jesus said pertaining
to those who would say in their hearts “my Lord delayeth His coming.” I can’t think of a better way to put oneself in a position to be caught off guard. I think
it was rather interesting that the rapture in my dream/vision happened on a normal day during the week. The Word of God said that there will be no noticeable interruptions from the daily activities and routines of people’s lives. Those
belonging to God full of anticipation will not be surprised, but those
belonging to God possibly having no anticipation because they are
convinced only according to their established dates may be very well
surprised. We were instructed to watch and pray. I
guess what I am trying to say is that it is far better for me to have
my heart prepared now as if Jesus could come right now, this instant,
than depending upon or looking forward to a set future date. Whatever we place in our future tends to
stay in the future. I’d
much prefer to allow God to do whatever He wants to do concerning
Jesus’ return while having my bags so-to-speak, packed for that blink
of a moment’s notice that it is time to vacate earth. My
heart is settled NOW and I am constantly looking today and everyday,
even every moment because so far, no one has figured out the day or
hour. That in itself should tell us something. Rather the day can be known or not really isn’t even the issue. At
the final moment, perhaps we will know I would certainly like to think
so, but if we get Word or not, I am nevertheless “now” looking up
constantly, patiently awaiting, though anticipating, watching and
praying that I may be found worthy in His eyes to escape.
God’s blessing be upon you always,
See you soon in the clouds!
Your brother in Christ forever,
Rick Wynn