WHILE I WAIT

The 'rapture' of the church is a precious doctrine to those who know Jesus as Lord. When we study the Biblical account of that event, it is difficult to imagine the soul's instantaneous transformation.

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Though countless predictions have been made, the time of His coming is not revealed ... But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36)  

But according to prophecy, His return is near. The Holy Spirit is stirring our hearts with anticipation. We look forward to ... the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13)

Some are tempted to stop moving forward in their walk of faith ... to lay down their weapons and just wait for Jesus to take them home. The imminent return of Christ should motivate action, not be a reason to cease from it. 

To 'retreat' and 'hold the fort' was never Jesus’ intention for those longing for His return. In His parable of the ten talents, the departing king instructed his servants to ... occupy till I come. (Luke 19:13) 

We must do likewise. 

Spurgeon was adamant about it - If I knew that our Lord would come this evening, I should preach just as I mean to preach; and if I knew he would come during this sermon, I would go on preaching until he did. The fact that Jesus Christ is to come again is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus made a promise to those who remain faithful to the end ... And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. (Revelation 22:12)

In other words ... be a participant, not a spectator. Every passing day is an extension of God's grace and mercy toward mankind, meant to be used to further His Kingdom. 

Don't sit idly by while you wait for His coming.