What IF — you were told you only have five years left to live on earth?
What would you change?
What would you do differently in the next hour…
next day
next week
next year?
A very wise man shared with us in Sunday school this week. We call him our General… a term of respect and love for his leading. After examining scripture, he feels that God has given us many amazing clues and although we do not know the date or time of the rapture, there are scriptures that tell us some interesting facts… if we know how to interpret them.
You must interpret scripture with scripture.
Let’s start with Matthew 24 when Jesus was talking with His disciples about end times and He told the parable of the fig tree. You have to know that in scripture, many times, the fig tree represents Israel.
Matthew 24: 32-36 says,
“32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
Verse 32—You have to know that Israel became recognized as a nation on May 14, 1948. (The fig tree put forth its leaves)
When Israel became a nation, the clock begin ticking and that generation, from 1948… on… — will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled— verse 34.
Israel is now 75 years old.
The final clue that was shared with us on Sunday is Psalm 90:10.
Psalm 90:10
” 10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten (70); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years (80), yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
“If by reason of strength they be” 80—that would give us… five more years from the time Israel was birthed as a nation.
Psalm 90 continues in verse 12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
And verse 13a says, “Return, O LORD, how long?
And verse 14, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (Does this mean come back soon, LORD????)
And verse 15, “Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.”
We definitely will not know the day or hour when Jesus will return for His church—His people, but, the clues are there. It will probably be sooner than we think.
So what will you change today?
Who will you warn so they can get their lives right before God?
(P.S. This is my warning to any reading this post. I pray you seek out a relationship with the God of the Universe before it is too late. If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, find a Bible and read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to know Jesus. Then read the book of Romans to know what God expects of you. What if you have less than five years?)
Thanks Jane. The key for me is the Bible says we will not know so I don’t spend any time trying to figure it out. However, as you indicate, urgency is important because for any one of us, our last day could be today.
Absolutely, it doesn’t take the Rapture to make it our last day. Good point, Tim. We should be careful how we live each day.
Jane,
We don’t worry about that day as Jesus tells us no one knows except the Father. But it is so important, crucial even, to know that we will be taken up when that day arrives. This means—know that you know that you know the only One who can save you!!
Good word!
You’re right, Debbie. It is so important to know Jesus as Savior and then we don’t have to worry. But, when I think how short our time could be, it makes me want to get the message out for others and warn them. Their time may be short and it is important to not wait on making sure you are right with God.
It’s definitely wise to “number our days” as Psalm 90 tells us, whether we know the day of the Lord or not. It helps you to focus on what truly matters and not stress about the rest. 🙂
That is a great verse to point out, Allison…”So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
The Living Bible says it this way, “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” The wisdom comes in what you said, we should “focus on what truly matters”.:)
Thanks for your thoughts, Jane. I pray that everyone accepts and follows God before Jesus returns.
Amen, Joni!