During the 1950s Cold War, the U.S. circulated civil defense DUCK AND COVER propaganda as a readiness measure should a nuclear attack occur. Duck and Cover drills were practiced in schools, instructing students to duck under their desks and cover their heads in the event of a bomb drop. (Yeah – like that would save you from an atomic bomb!)
In the 1960s during the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy urged Americans to build bomb shelters. By 1965, some 200,000 Americans boasted backyard underground safe havens.
In the last couple of months, as we’ve experienced the effects of a global pandemic, people have been encouraged to shelter-at-home (and stock up on Top Ramen, hand sanitizer and toilet paper). All of these measures past and present were introduced as preparedness tactics designed to “get us ready” for whatever is to come.
During my quarantine period, I’ve been watching a lot of online Bible studies. Last week, I tuned into a webinar about The Rapture. The pastor shared that he believes Christians will actually be living through the difficult Tribulation period spelled out in the book of Revelation. This pastor had many, many scriptures to back up his beliefs.
This wasn’t great news for someone like me who’s always believed (thanks in part to the Left Behind book series), Christians would be raptured before the Tribulation period begins. I’ve had a bit of a tough time navigating my way through a pandemic quarantine, so I can’t imagine how I’ll react to a score of plagues and the Anti-Christ!
At the conclusion of the webinar teaching, the Pastor encouraged everyone to do their own Bible study and research. His overall message was one of preparedness. Regardless of whether we Christians are raptured before, during or after the Tribulation period wasn’t really the point. The real takeaway from his message was that we Christians need to live ready.
Living ready simply put means – go about your daily life. Make plans. Get married. Have children. Go to college. Change jobs. Buy the house … whatever life may look like for you. BUT, each of us needs to know what the Bible says about the future. We need to have those “go-to” Scriptures memorized and buried in our hearts for those times that we are faced with uncertainty. Like when a global pandemic consumes our world, for example.
Non-believers who are unfamiliar with the Word of God frequently look to the church and Christians for answers and comfort during catastrophes. Fear is far-reaching and wide-spread and those without hope or a relationship with Christ may live in panic, fear and anxiety.
When we LIVE READY, we get to know God really well and we share the Gospel as much as possible. Let people know that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20). Unbelievers need to know peace is possible during difficulties. We should strive to model and maintain peace NO MATTER WHAT happens. The Bible gives us over 365 DO NOT FEAR scriptures. It may be difficult to memorize all of them, but not impossible to have a few favorites locked and loaded at all times. My personal favorite is Joshua 1:9:
After watching last week’s webinar, I’ve decided to adopt a “PAN-TRIB” philosophy regarding the Rapture. Whether we are taken up in the air with Jesus BEFORE … DURING … or … AFTER the Tribulation period … I’m ready to accept whatever pans out because I trust Jesus completely and choose to LIVE READY.
What about YOU? Are you LIVING READY?
Blessings in Christ.
Kathy K.
I like it. Live Ready!
That was timely. I too changed my stance upon hearing that message, excellent teaching. And this; an excellent reminder. Thank you for writing it.
Kathy thank you for the good word. I take the same stance about the end days. BTW my in-laws had a nice bomb shelter in their back yard.