End Times Deliverance

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all. “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” [Luke 17.26-36]

We have two particular instances in the Bible that indicate a 'deliverance' of God's people. Jesus Himself mentioned these events in Luke 17 when describing His return to the earth.

Noah prepared for deliverance and was delivered.

Lot, though reluctant, allowed himself also to be delivered.

In both Noah's and Lot's times, everyone else was living life as usual. They were caught up in themselves and apparently had no regard for God and His Law or His Way - except Noah and Lot.

I find it interesting in Jesus' description of His return that a, "person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack." So important was this little instruction that Jesus further instructed similarly that, "A person out in the field must not return home." The common denominator in both these instructions is that the person has some choice in the matter. Both Noah and Lot, at some point, chose to accept deliverance. Lot's wife stands in history as an example of choosing incorrectly.

Jesus' return involves a 'deliverance' or 'taking away.'

Somehow, this deliverance will ultimately involve a choice for self-preservation or self-abandonment. We need to consider what this really means. How does something as wonderful as being caught away by Jesus at His return involve the choice between holding on to our life or letting it go? We need to think about this!

Then Jesus describes an event that will have no small ramifications. Where there were two people, there will be an obvious and distinct change - one will be taken - removed, and one will be left behind. There will be no mistaking that a significant event has occurred.

However, we must keep in mind that it will be "business as usual" when this occurs. Yes, elsewhere we are told of famines and earthquakes and terrible signs of the times - and yet, here Jesus says it will be "business as usual." So, somehow, the signs of the times will be there, but their presence will still not disrupt "business as usual." I think what this really says is that regardless of the signs of the times, people will not recognize them as such and will go about their ways regardless. This sounds all too familiar.

Father, I am thankful for Your Word. Help me - help us - to be watching and waiting for Jesus' return when You decide it is time.