No one knows when

In the previous passage, we discussed that the Lord’s second coming will occur three and a half years after the appearance of the “abomination of desolation.” This earthly return is distinct from the rapture of the saints, which is the focus of today’s passage (ref. Luke 21:34–36). Regarding the rapture, Jesus spoke as follows: (1) No one knows when that time will come, not even Jesus or the angels, but only the Father knows. This implies that anyone predicting the exact time of the rapture is acting against the Bible. What has been revealed to us is that the rapture will occur at some point before the Great Tribulation. Predicting the timing of the rapture is entirely non-biblical. (2) No sign will be given before the rapture. In other words, the rapture will happen suddenly while people are going about their daily lives. This is the same as the days of Noah when the flood came unexpectedly. People were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage. These were normal, everyday activities. It was in the midst of such ordinary life that the great flood suddenly occurred.

Stay alert

Jesus then spoke a parable of the master who went on a journey to emphasize the need for spiritual alertness. (1) The master assigned tasks to each servant, instructing the doorkeeper to stay alert, and then departed. (2) No one knows when the master will return, so it is necessary for everyone to stay alert, prepared for his return at any moment. (3) When the master unexpectedly returns, there will be servants who are asleep and servants who are awake. Those who are praised by the master are the ones who were awake. Who are the people prepared to welcome the Lord? They are those who believe in the Lord Jesus as their Savior, justified by faith, and are ready to stand before God. Those who do not believe in Jesus are still unprepared and are people with their eyes closed. Which one are you? Let’s offer intercessory prayers for those who are not prepared to stand before God. Let’s diligently share the gospel.