Early in August, the obscure (should I say hidden?) holiday of Tu B'Av will happen.  For years I have personally included this holiday as a high watch date and have attempted to communicate it to as many others who would listen.  Allow me to remind you of why I think it is important to be on high alert as Tu B'Av approaches.

 

Many years ago I pointed out the importance of parallels.  Parallels are extremely important in Bible study.  The Jewish writers used and understood the significance of parallels.  The Jews didn't use rhymes and meter in their poetry.  They used parallels.  Here's just one example.

 

Psalm 119:105
ן NUN Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

 

Please note that Jesus used parables which are parallels too!  Parables are stories that are parallels!

 

In my studies I think I see parallels in Tu B'Av to the rapture.  I have corresponded with rabbis to confirm various points. See what I wrote about Tu B'Av previously from years ago.

 

Tu B'Av has so many traditions associated with it that are parallels for the rapture. One of the most compelling is that the Jews while wandering in the desert were according to the Midrash commanded by Moses to sleep in their graves as punishment for not believing the spies who were sent to scout out the promised land. The Jews who slept in their graves each year would arise from their graves and discover that 15,000 of the older generation had died in the night. This continued to happen until all of the older generation had died off. Tu B'Av was celebrated because they knew that at long last they were freed from the curse of the grave and free to enter the promised land under the leadership of Joshua.

 

We all know that the name of Jesus is derived from Joshua. Parallel!

 

I suspect we all are aware that there is a parallel between the promised land and Heaven. The land flowing with milk and honey.

 

Tu B'Av commemorates when all the chosen people rose from their graves alive! Parallel!

 

The Jews celebrated by allowing the virgins to dress in white and dance in the vineyards to attract husbands.

 

Someone else on the Doves website pointed out that the tribe of Benjamin was allowed to snatch brides on Tu B'Av and that the word snatched in the Septuagint is harpazo! The same word!

 

The celebration of Tu B'Av became closely associated with courtship, marriage and the the triumph of life over death. Parallel!

 

Some rabbis also see the parallel to Tu B'Av to the wedding of the Messiah (though they don't see the rapture of Christians).  They point out additionally that while other holidays had their fulfillment with events in the past, Tu B'Av alone has it's ultimate fulfillment in a future event.  Not my words.  Theirs.  Moreover The ancient Jews regarded Tu B'Av as the happiest of all the holidays!

 

I found this rabbinical teaching about Tu B'Av and listened to the whole thing. I encourage you to listen to it carefully.  http://www.naaleh.com/viewclass/2635/single/audio/

 

Friends, there is no closer parallel to the rapture than the celebration of Tu B'Av. There is no better picture we could use to illustrate the pre-trib rapture! It all fits. Every detail! Just as some of the Jews who were asleep in their graves couldn't possess the land, there are many Christians who are asleep now! Are the 5 unprepared virgins like Jesus taught in His parable like the unprepared Christians now?  The unprepared virgins had the door to the wedding closed in their faces.  Matthew 25: ¹¹ “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹² But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

 

Tisha B'Av occurs on July 28 / 29.  It is considered the lowest, saddest point on the Jewish calendar.  It is the date when when the temple was destroyed both times.  It wouldn't surprise me if something bad happens again on that date. 

 

Tu B'Av, the happiest holiday according to the Jewish rabbis, occurs on August 2 / 3.  It wouldn't come as a surprise if that is the date we hear the call to go into the promised land...our eternal home! 

 

I believe it is always important to watch the Jewish calendar most closely when the various holidays occur.  Pentecost, Rosh Hashanaah, and others as well.  Just make sure that you are careful to be watching Tu B'Av too.

I know I will.

 

YBIC

Bruce Baber