As I write, Hurricane Dennis is pounding the Gulf Coast. If people aren't prepared, it's too late now. In the areas hardest hit, even the police and emergency crews are wise enough to stay indoors.

There was plenty of time to prepare. Since yesterday, we all watched Dennis' swirling radar image approaching the United States. Yes indeed, we knew the storm was coming. But, we didn't know when or where it would make landfall. So, some may have decided to take a chance and not prepare. If so, they could be very sorry right now.  

As I think about that radar image of Dennis, I can't help but think of another storm that may be approaching for God's people. Jesus said:

Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains ... For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will (Matthew 24:15-21 New American Standard Bible). 

Notice how in the above passage about the coming Antichrist someone added the words, "Let the reader understand." This reminds me of something the Angel said to the Apostle John while dealing with the same subject matter. The angel said, "Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast" (Revelation 13:18).

It is obvious we are to understand the prophecies. And, Jesus indicated that there were things we should expect to see before His return. Jesus said:

Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door (Matthew 24:32-33). 

At this point, you may wonder if I believe in the rapture. Yes, I do believe in the rapture. But, like that storm, I don't know exactly when it will happen. And, I also know, no matter what others may say, they can't really know for sure either. It's just not clearly written down in God's book.

Here's where I stand on the issue. If it turns out the events I've been reporting are the fulfillments of the prophecies that I think they are, and we're still here on January 1, 2007, then I'm going to expect the rapture to occur sometime at the end of the great tribulation Jesus spoke about, but before the end of the 70th week.

Strong support for this idea can be found in the book of Acts. In the first chapter, it is made clear that the Holy Spirit was given to us for the purpose of taking the Gospel message to all nations. And, according to Jesus, when our mission is accomplished, the end will come (Matthew 24:14). 

Keeping our mission in mind, in Acts chapter 2 we read:

But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND ... AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.

Then it says:

AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Acts 2:14-21).

If you recall, Jesus said the sun would be darkened at the end of the great tribulation (Matthew 24: 29-31). So, in the above passages, it appears this age of the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit may continue until the sun is darkened at the end of the great tribulation. If so, it may indicate enduring great persecution will be part of our final witness to the nations before Christ returns to judge the nations. 

Summing up, if we're not taken before the 70th week begins, then I'll be expecting to go through the great tribulation. And, I'll be expecting Christ to return to put an stop to the great tribulation sometime before the end of the 70th week.

This brings us to why I wrote this commentary. If God's people are to go through the great tribulation, how are we to prepare spiritually? I don't have all the answers. But, I may have a one -- get to know and understand the prophecies.

That's how Jesus prepared His disciples for their persecution. He told them things in advance. In other words, He prepared them with prophecy. Jesus said:

Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe (John 14:29). 

If we are witnessing the chain of events that were foretold in prophecy, then we know where they're leading. They're leading to the glorious return of our Lord and Savior. So, by knowing the prophecies and their fulfillements, we can better endure to the end.

Friends, let's not chance we will miss the coming storm. The other side is preparing Read about it here.

Let's prepare.