I don’t know how many people have read The Art of War. This work is a fifth-century B.C. military strategy about understanding the enemy and describing how to exploit their weaknesses. One of the strategies is: “In war, the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won.” This means one of the best times to reattack an enemy is immediately after they have won a victory. This is the time when their guard is most likely to be down. This is a time when they are most vulnerable. Over the centuries, this strategy has been proven to work on the physical battlefield, but I also think it works on the spiritual battlefield.
Comments in Christian Circles
I say this because since the results of our election, I have seen a lot of comments in Christian circles about how things are now okay; that everything is going to be made right again since Donald Trump has won the presidency. I have even heard that Trump is our savior and that America is back in God’s good graces.
Yes, we should see some improvements in areas that are important to us, but this is not a time to get lax in prayer, evangelism, and discipleship. As the Christian world celebrates a victory, we need to be watchful, for, as The Art of War details, more forceful attacks designed to cause damage may come, and we can’t afford to let our guard down.
Pursue the Things of God with Diligence and Urgency
A common theme from the Christian circles is that now that Trump is in office and the Republicans have won the House and the Senate, they believe this sets the world up for the soon return of Christ. Shortly before returning to Heaven, Jesus told His disciples that someday He would return to establish His Kingdom. The Bible warns us against making precise predictions about the exact time of Jesus’ return, but yes, His return is certain. The apostle Paul looked for “the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
However, there is a big difference between knowing that Jesus could return soon and knowing that He will return soon. The danger that needs to be addressed is not to stop pursuing the things of God with diligence and urgency.
Not Time to Cease From Action
The return of Christ is always presented in Scripture as a great motivation to action, not as a reason to cease from action. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, as Paul teaches on the Rapture, he says, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Paul concludes a lesson on Christ’s coming with these words: “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” To retreat or to ease up was never Jesus’ intention for us. Instead, we work while we can as Scripture commands. “Night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Until then, we must stay focused on our calling and commission.
The apostles, and every generation since, have lived and served with the idea that Jesus could return within their lifetime. Imagine what would happen if any generation had ceased their labor and just “waited”? They would have disobeyed Christ’s command to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The fruit of that approach would have been the slowing down or absence of spreading the Good News, the Gospel.
The apostles understood that Jesus’ imminent return meant they must busy themselves with God’s work. They lived their lives as if every day were their last. We, too, should view every day as a gift and use it to glorify God. We have been entrusted with the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done (1 Thessalonians 2:4); that is a tremendous privilege and responsibility!
Like a Thief in the Night
The unsaved, which may be the majority of the world, are not expecting or ready for the Rapture. Believers have been told the Day of the Lord, which begins with the Rapture, will come upon the unsaved “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Those who are left behind in the Rapture will be those who do not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within them. Believers can rest not in a political leader but in the knowledge that, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief” (1 Thessalonians 5:4).
The Five Wise Virgins
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). And because of faith, believers can be ready for the Rapture.
Jesus shared this truth in His parable of the five wise virgins. Five had their lamps trimmed and full of oil. The spiritual truth of that parable was that those five showed they cared about their spiritual condition. (Matthew 25:1-13). The remaining five did not care about their spiritual condition, and as the parable explains, when the bridegroom came, those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and those who were not prepared, the door was shut, and the Lord said to them, “I do not know you.”
Unfortunately, much of the world’s population lacks faith. Scripture clearly states that the time before Jesus’ return will be characterized by spiritual coldness and unbelief. Jesus spoke of His return and asked, rhetorically, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
The Most Opportune Time for the Enemy to Attack
Will the economy get better? Possibly. Will the price of food and gas get better? Possibly. Will gender confusion be dealt with? Possibly. Those are all battles to be won.
However, remember that after a victory, that is the most opportune time for the enemy to attack again. Be on the lookout for wolves in sheep’s clothing. Please do not let your guard down or become apathetic with your Christian responsibilities.
Today Heaven Would See an Increase of Over 2 Billion
I believe when the time comes, Heaven will be full of men and women who love and praise the Lord. Current research estimates that 2.56 billion people identify as Christian. Catholics are the largest Christian group, with almost 1.26 billion. The two fastest-growing Christian groups worldwide are evangelicals (1.8% growth rate) and charismatics (1.88%). Compare these current numbers to the year 1900, when less than 1 million people around the world were identified as Christians. Had Jesus returned in 1900, Heaven would have seen an increase of less than one million. In contrast, today, Heaven will see an increase of over 2 billion.
Only God knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36), but until then, let’s focus on being as diligent and active as possible. Come January 20, 2025, that is NOT a time to let your guard down and relax.
Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
