When God Says …
“Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:36 KJV).
This passage highlights the daytime scene in another part of the world when the event of the Lord’s in-a-blink-of-an-eye appearing on the clouds as He returns. This continues to give contrast of reliance on grace vs self-effort. The Lord uses in this illustration two men working on a field during daytime working hours. They represent two different scenarios. One person is "taken" or raptured, representing a believer resting in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ and walking in grace. The other one "left" behind - represents someone relying on own works of self-righteousness, or observance of the law, or shackled by religion, who is not ready for the sudden return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The imagery of working in the field, emphasizes that the Lord's return will happen in the midst of our daily life in any moment, even now as we are reflecting this passage. The message is to not be "distracted" by the things of this world’s temporary things but be occupied in the presence of the Lord, which is the "good part" that Mary, the sister of Martha, showed us to do - resting at His feet ingesting His words (Luke 10:39).
Our take away from this is not to be fearful of being left behind, but to be in the shield of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. We must be conscious that those who are "taken" are those who have made our Lord Jesus their resting place and are not trying to earn salvation or righteousness through their own efforts.
All of us, who are victorious by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, will be caught up with Him in the clouds. It is written: “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:52-57 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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