Nougat 21

In the Gospels, Jesus’ parables teach a subtle yet critical truth about God’s Kingdom. A colleague noted that Matthew’s references in the parables are of the Kingdom of Heaven rather than the Kingdom of God because in Jewish tradition, God’s name is to be so revered that we would not utter it. Thus, the Kingdom of God and Heaven are one and the same.

I noticed that Jesus taught with lots of these parables. But I neither saw that they were about God’s reign nor did I realize that Matthew 24 had its fair share of parables – four to be precise. I realized that there is a reason to the profundity of parables. I have stated it before (so it might not be profound for you), but it really connected with me that citizens of God’s kingdom will seek to understand the truths about God’s Kingdom encrypted in the parables for ourselves. Hmmn

As I reread today’s Holy Nougat, I was drawn to the pictures of the parables.

““Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭40‬-‭41‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Taken

Two men … one taken;

Two women … one taken

Of course, it would be nice to presume that, despite the numbers currently recorded as practicing believers (not including Jews), there will be on average 50:50 of the world’s population ready for Christs return. If this is the case, we each need to get evangelizing, as

‘Christians’ are but 25% of current global population.

I’m not speaking of St Olaf’s ‘cut off their head’ routine; rather sharing God’s love and grace with others that they are drawn to Christ (Letting our Lights Shine and Woman at Sychar well-style). That’s our every day and every where.

There is another aspect of the parable however – that picture to which I was drawn – that spoke profoundly to me. And it’s the picture of The Rapture. The Taking of God’s Elect (those Chosen by God for Choosing God) From Earth to enter in God’s Eternal Kingdom. It will be Sudden (yes, an ’and suddenly‘ moment), despite the various warnings sent forth.

Can you imagine the news headlines?!

’Mysterious disappearance of humans by alien invaders!’

‘Was that the Rapture? Individuals mysteriously taken.’

(What else would they write? Share your news headlines with us)

Many books, songs and other creative work are out on this, some presenting as alien invaders, others warning about being Left Behind, and a few – I’m sure – imagining that new life with Jesus Christ (eg CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia).

Can we imagine what life will be like after we have been taken? I confess, I’m a bit curious about how those left will deal with the reality of not being among the Taken, but I have resolved that I won’t know since I’m intending to be among the Taken.

How about you?

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May all we seek be found in Christ