What Jesus Did! 'Caught Up in the Clouds!' — Luke 17:34-36

Monday, October 16, 2023

Your Support Matters!

Your donations are vital to help us keep the light shining.

 Donate Now
[Talking about his return, Jesus continued,] "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 17:34-36 NLT

Key Thought

Being taken with Jesus is often called the rapture, although that term is never used in the New Testament in this regard. I prefer to call it "caught up in the clouds!" This phrase comes from Paul's explanation of these events at Jesus' return. [1] When Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles were told that Jesus would also return in the clouds. [2] We await this day of victory and glory that is promised. However, for those who do not belong to the Lord, this will be a day they are left behind. Meanwhile, the children of God will receive their ultimate adoption as his children and will be ushered into his presence by Jesus in his glory and in the glory of the angels that accompany him.

[1] 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
[2] Mark 13:26.

Today's Prayer

Father, I long for and look forward to the day of Jesus' return. My only anxiety about that day is that I want all those I know to be ready and to accompany me into your presence. Please give me the words to say and the character of life to show these friends, acquaintances, and loved ones how to be ready and to anticipate this day with joy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  • Acts 1:6-11
  • Revelation 1:5-7

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, October 16, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Zealous to Honor God' (Acts 22:3)
"Then Paul said [to the mob that had tried to kill him], "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Antidote to Uncertainty: Thankfulness'
"Dear Child of Grace, You have been blessed with grace because of the Father's love (John 3:16-18; Colossians 1:12-14). That grace was embodied by My...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 21:12
"In these words the believer is invited to a holy nearness to Jesus. "Come and dine," implies the same table, the same meat; aye, and sometimes it..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Is Your Guard' (Ps. 139:4-6)
"You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 17:34-36 NLT — "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."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!