Last night we watched the first Left Behind movie. My friend Constance Cumbey insisted that I see it. The reason was because some recent news out of the EU reminder her of a scene in the movie. As usual, she was right -- she had even quoted the line in the movie perfectly.

But, by the time the scene came around, I remembered seeing the movie before. That's one of our differences -- Constance has a photographic memory, I don't. Nevertheless, much has happened since our first viewing of the movie, and now we have much more upon which to reflect.

What impacted me most in the movie was the sudden disappearances of people. You know, someday it's actually going to happen. The Bible tells us, suddenly, millions of people will disappear from earth. That's because Jesus will return and catch up all of His followers to be with Him in the clouds. This event is called the rapture. In the movie, when the rapture happens, the ones who are left behind began asking why. And, according to the movie, they are given a second chance to make it to heaven.

If you've been following my commentaries, you know that I believe a little differently. I agree that there will be a rapture. I just believe it will happen a bit later in the chain of end-time events. And, unfortunately, I don't believe there will be a second chance. If you miss the rapture, I believe you only have God's wrath to look forward to. But, in my opinion, these are relatively minor doctrinal issues. What's really important is, the event will happen. And, we had all better be ready.

This brings us back to the movie. When the people disappeared, those left behind began asking why. I couldn't help myself. I yelled at the screen, "Didn't you see the Left Behind movie!" And, that's when it struck me. Of course, that's what this is about. After the amazing success of the Left Behind series of books and movies, people won't be able to say that they weren't warned.

You see, the bottom line is, the window of God's invitation of grace is closing. We don't know when. But, it is going to shut. And, it will shut suddenly.

If you think there's still plenty of time, our world's leaders disagree. They too see a closing window. In fact, that's what's motivating them. We were recently told that the new Olmert Administration in Israel was planing on defining Israel's final borders by 2010. Now, we're being told the window is closing. It has to be done by 2008 -- while President Bush is still in the White House Read about it here. 

We've been told that old Europe and their EU dream was dying, and that a new, pro-American Europe was emerging. Now, we learn that window may be closing too. Left-leaning Romano Prodi, the former President of the EU Commission, may soon become Italy's next Prime Minister Read about it here. If so, one more important American ally bites the dust.

Friends, the window is closing. Everyone knows it. The big question is, will those who are left behind really be given a second chance? I know, the movie could be right and I could be wrong.

But, is that a chance you're willing to take?