We believe that the next wonderful event in God’s schedule is the Rapture of the Church (1 Thes 4:16-18). After the Church is called up, and is in the mansions of The Father with her beloved and glorious groom, God’s prophetic clock, which ceased at Calvary, will function again.

The Lord will resume His unmistakable dealing with the people of Jacob as His own earthly people. For a week of years, mentioned in Daniel 9:27 and in the book of Revelation, they shall go through severe and great tribulation. Many who say, “Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord” will be saved and enter the millennial kingdom - the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth - when the Lord Jesus returns to our planet as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Many scholars say that there are no signs that precede the Rapture. But I believe that the green branches of the fig tree are a clear indication of the next greatest event. For like the vine (Isaiah 5:7) and the olive tree (Romans11:24), in the Bible, the fig tree typifies the nation of Jacob.
The Lord Jesus in Matthew 24:32-35 presents a spiritual and historical lesson from the realm of nature, saying: “Now learn this parable from the fig tree…”

To further illustrate: if one were told to look out on the ocean and see a trail of steam on the horizon coming up from near the water, one should realize that there is a ship traveling underneath that is emitting the steam. One would know that an invisible submarine was traveling under the water, directly in front of the ship!!
How is that??
The steam represents the seed of Jacob as a nation and state in the land of Emmanuel;
The invisible submarine typifies the Rapture!
Furthermore the ship depicts the great tribulation or “the week of Jacob”.

If that is so, and we know that the rapture must occur before the great tribulation of the old nation, then we are to conclude that the rapture is about to take place soon, therefore let us as true followers of Christ enjoy the living hope and be ready to welcome our savior “who will come again and receive us to himself” after “he transforms our lowly body that it may be conformed to his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able to subdue all things to himself.” (Phil 3:21).       
I would like to point out in this connection, that I approached this touchy issue not out of any political view or consideration. Is it not theologically controversial? How much more if I add to it - but far be it from me … - the most violent element: Politics?

I consider that the word of God is the “conclusive canon” by which we judge things and test matters in all areas of life and history, knowing that “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men …” (Dan.4:25b).
Our hearts’ deep desire for all mankind is the same as Christ’s: that ALL men will be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
“… His going forth is established as the dawn” (Hos. 6:3b), “…Therefore let us all say: Amen. Come Lord Jesus.”

 

By Emad Khoury