Prepping is big news and even bigger business these days. Because we live in a very dangerous and uncertain world full of impending disasters from famine, to civil unrest, and even terrorism. The trigger for a national or even worldwide event could be a massive sell-off on Wall Street, a nuclear 9-11, or growing food shortages. What the future holds for America and the world remains to be seen. By most observations, it does seem that a cataclysmic event or even a series of events is inevitable. There is another earth-shaking event around the corner…..and that’s the Day of the Lord. With these two scenarios in mind, a question remains: Are You Ready?
Before I go forward let me make a clear statement about common sense and good stewardship. This article isn’t meant to be a promo for prepping, nor is it a discouragement from it. We should certainly have the necessary items to be able to take care of our family in the event of a disaster such as a flood, hurricane, earthquake, blizzard, etc., that’s just good common sense and even our government recommends at least a three day supply of the basics such as food and water to make it on our own until help arrives. So with that behind us, let’s look together at the why and how of being ready.
This world like never before is in a serious period of uncertainty. As stated above, the dangers are growing and most people speak of the what if’s anymore, now it’s just when. Many people are taking it upon themselves to be ready for anything that comes their way. Stockpiling food from dry goods, MREs, and even canning is becoming commonplace. Some people are storing enough food and water to last for years if necessary. Gun sales are through the roof and barely a day goes by where the news covers yet another run or shortage of ammo. There are hundreds of websites dedicated to prepping, surviving, and off-the-grid living.
The National Geographic Channel carries a reality show called: Doomsday Preppers. If you are in the market for a new home why not try the latest in secure living…a retired missile silo. You can buy bunkers, up-armor your vehicle, and harden your electronics against an EMP event. The possibilities are endless when preparing for the end. The government via FEMA and DHS has a website dedicated to helping citizens plan for times of crisis at: ready.gov The bottom line is if people want to get ready for a manmade or natural disaster, there is plenty of information available. But what about the other event the Bible says is coming with certainty? What about the Day of the Lord? How do people prepare for that event and more importantly, are you ready? 1 Thessalonians 5:3
There is a lot of speculation on the ifs and when of future events, like food shortages, terrorism, civil unrest, and economic collapse to name a few. People sell the supposed answers via material and physical preparation. Some books are being written under the heading of Christianity that try to pinpoint dates for future events and even go as far as describing in vivid detail events that even the Apostles just simply give a glancing overview of. All of the speculations can get ridiculous with predictions and secret biblical codes. The Lord gave us his word to tell us what he wants us to know. It’s all right there for our edification and building up. We need to keep our commentary biblical and our books focused on what the word of God says.
The other big issue and sadly this is becoming very commonplace…..is that many Christians live as though this world will go on just as it has been forever. They live as though no judgment is coming and like they aren’t expecting Jesus to return for his bride at any moment. That fact alone makes me long for his appearance with expectation all the more. While it’s true no man knows the day or hour of Jesus’ return, the word of God is clear about this:
Matthew 24:44 In an hour you think not, the Son of Man cometh.
What seems to be lacking in our day are men who are unafraid to stand up and warn people and especially people in the church about God’s coming judgment. I know it’s not a popular subject and one that’s well received by people, but it is a loving thing to remind them what the Bible says about coming judgment. All of us have a responsibility to tell others to be ready. Look at all of the uncertainty in the world regarding the future. In stark contrast stands the word of God. The Day of the Lord is coming. It is an event so certain that you can look another person in the eye and tell them with boldness, “The Day of the Lord is coming.”
What is the Day of the Lord? It is a period of judgment on the wicked. The bowl, seal, and trumpet judgments are being poured out upon an unrepentant Christ-rejecting world. Judgments are coming upon the earth and increasing in intensity and frequency. What are they leading up to? They are leading up to the Day of the Lord. These judgments will culminate in Jesus coming back to this earth with the vengeance of his righteous judgment to defeat the wicked, unrepentant, the armies at Armageddon, and the antichrist. Since we know the Day of the Lord is meant for the unrighteous, what kind of people should we be? 2 Peter 3:10
Many in this world live as if there are not going to be any consequences for their sinful rebellion. Many have heard god’s message of salvation over and over again but continue to reject it day after week after year. When the antichrist arrives on the scene, many will take his mark thereby eternally sealing their fate. The judgment of God will be falling and it will be at its apex when Jesus returns to execute his judgment. So are you ready? If you are reading this article and you can’t answer that question….you are in eternal danger. Jesus is the only answer to the impending judgment that will fall on this earth and on everyone who doesn’t know Jesus as their Lord. I’m appealing to you as a sinner who once followed my own way and was hopelessly lost on the way to hell.
If you have come to the end of yourself, your striving, and your ideas about how to get into heaven, then open up your heart and ask Jesus to be your Lord. If you ask him to cleanse your sin and forgive you…he is faithful and just to forgive you. Your salvation was purchased at the cross where he shed his innocent blood and died for you, making a way to spend eternity with God. But you have to believe God raised him and confess Him as Lord. It doesn’t matter what you have done or where you have been, if you ask him for forgiveness and make him your Lord, you are ready!
Fellow believer, are you ready? Matthew 24:4, 2 Peter 3:14, and Revelation 1:3
It’s just good old common sense to have a plan and be prepared for emergencies. But all of the water, MREs, gold, and 25-year shelf life beef jerky won’t prepare you for the judgment of a holy God. Now that we have the reality of God’s judgment in view, we know the ultimate preparation is a right relationship with the Lord Jesus. It’s not the intent of this article to address the timing of the rapture of the church. Regarding troubles, trials, and birth pains, one look around the world today would indicate we Christians aren’t exempt from suffering and hardship as the days grow darker.
I believe the Bible clearly teaches all born-again followers of Jesus will be raptured prior to God’s judgment falling on this world because that is poured out on all who have rejected Jesus and his gospel. As I close this article I want to address the topic of fear. Friends, I know we live in uncertain times and I understand people are apprehensive about the days ahead. But let me remind you of one fact: If you know the Lord….you are in His strong hands. We need to identify with Jesus and claim him as our Lord. It may not be popular or you may pay for it somehow, but He is worth it. Is there oil in your lamp & are you ready? Matthew 10:26
The ultimate preparation for the future is repentance and trusting Jesus as your Lord. If you don’t know Jesus and want to know what it means to be eternally ready, please click: Are You Saved?
Walking with Jesus now and trusting Him for our future, that’s true security.
All for Him,
Howard
