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 4:17 KJV)

The word “rapture” is derived from the Latin translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The phrase “caught up” above is harpazo in Greek and rapti in Latin. There are several views amongst Christians about the nature and timing of the rapture, and this devotional will not get into these details but focus on defining what it is and the urgency with which it is approaching. 

When Jesus returns, believers will be gathered first to meet Him in the air. Those who are alive will be “caught up” or “snatched” and pulled by the glorious and loving arms of Christ to meet Him in the air. Their bodies will undergo the most radical physical change that has ever occurred. This body of flesh will be transformed into the same kind of glorious body that Christ now has. Believers who had died will be resurrected, that is, will rise from the dead with a glorious body.

It will be a reunion like heaven and earth has never seen! What glory is coming! In Matthew 24, Jesus told us that two people would be working in the farm and one will be snatched away and the other will be left. If there was a Church meeting somewhere on earth, some members in the congregation would be snatched away while the rest will be perplexed at what just happened and why they have been left behind. 

Anyone who has this hope purifies himself( 1 John 3:3). Beloved in the Lord, be ready for the rapture. Even if you go to be with the Lord before then, we will meet in the air, hallelujah!

MEDITATE

What is the origin of the word “rapture,” as discussed above? 

APPLY THE WORD

Are you rapture-ready? Some of us will be excited and joyful about this. This is good. For some of us, we might need to have a conversation with the Lord and get some things right. Please do, and do not wait. For a few of us, we might need to take the first step of accepting Jesus and the salvation He brings to be ready. If that is you, please open your heart and receive His free gift to you.

PRAY

Pray that the Spirit will help you to be rapture-ready at all times. 

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