Mark 13
November 14, 2014


The more I read my Bible, the more convinced I become that Christians are going to be here for at least some part of the tribulation.   It has become popular thought to believe that the rapture will occur before the tribulation, but when I read verses like 13:24, where it says "FOLLOWING that distress (caps mine) the sun will be darkened...."   Clearly Jesus intended to tell his followers that the Son of Man would not return in the clouds until after the sun and moon go dark, and the stars fall from the sky.   Or at least, immediately following the false Christs (plural!) which would be partway through the tribulation.    Why speak of deceiving the elect if Christians weren't going to be here?   I'm sure we could develop some convoluted theory about how there will be mysterious unknown others who will appear at that time...but isn't easier to accept that Christians don't leave until Jesus comes back, and Jesus doesn't come back until the tribulation is over?

 After the sun and moon are darkened, the Son of Man sends his angels to collect the elect.   In Revelation 7 the sixth seal is broken, and the people who came out of the tribulation are seen standing in heaven.   There is still another seal (where the flaming mountains are cast onto the earth) and then trumpets and bowls to be sounded and poured out.   So, there seems to be plenty of destruction to go around, and the saint apparently have left by this time.   So maybe the rapture is partway through the tribulation.

It is comforting to know that generations have studied this passage, and we haven't come up with a clear answer other than to say that we need to be ready at all times, because Jesus could come back at any time.   For those who live lives ready to meet the Savior, his  return will be a welcome and pleasant surprise.   Like waking up and realizing it's your birthday and Christmas and you won the lottery and all your grandkids are moving back to town (all at one time).    Better than that...even.


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