OK - I just said that to get your attention!
We have all heard of the seemingly, unending predictions that the rapture, or the great tribulation, will begin on a certain date, usually on Rosh Hashanah.
Most of us react as we should - with great skepticism!
Many immediately quote Jesus' words in Matthew 24:36, that no man or angel knows the day nor the hour when the day of the Lord will come. After all, It is just another quack "prophesying" about a certain "exact date."
There is a danger though, of becoming too lax - not taking the threat of a coming tribulation period seriously at all.
Great or Regular?
One thing to consider is that tribulation is pretty awful - whether it is literally the "great" tribulation the Bible warns us about - or just the "regular" everyday variety.
As we speak, Christians all over the world are being persecuted to varying degrees. Some are being harassed, others tortured, still other are killed, simply because they believe in Jesus Christ!
We might assume that the "great" tribulation is still far away. Yet "regular" tribulation may indeed be close at hand.
The Evil Day!
The Bible tells us that we are to prepare now for "the evil day!"
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13 (emphasis added)
What is this evil day?
It is any day when we come under attack! It may come in the form of persecution, natural disaster or in some other form. Our nation may come under such an attack at any time. Even if it does not, you or I might come under such an attack individually!
The point is that it will be too late to prepare when that day arrives - if we have not already been engaged in that process. We must prepare now. If we do experience such an attack, one thing is certain: Shallow Christianity will not get the job done!
If we draw close to God, and no such attack comes, I promise - you will not suffer any ill side effects from such a relationship! However, if we lightly dismiss the existence of this evil day, and do not prepare ourselves spiritually, that day will run us over like a freight train!
If our churches have to go underground, if Christians and pastors are imprisoned, tortured or killed, will it matter in the least, if we are not literally experiencing the "great tribulation?"
Regardless of how we label such a tribulation as "great" or not , it will be an extremely grievous time for all who are experiencing it!
I cannot speak of when the literal, "Great Tribulation" will begin - but I do know that great persecution may come at any time - in the "evil day!"
And I also know that we should all prepare ourselves as though that "evil day" will come upon us at any moment!
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