We are living in such a rapidly changing world, with change occurring at warp speed. What if you were having lunch with a friend at a popular outdoor café and your dining partner vanished right before your eyes? What would be your explanation?

“Maybe I’m not really having lunch; this must be a dream.”

“I did turn my head away from the table for a moment. They must have seen someone they know and hopped up to say hello.”

Or . . . “Oh, my gosh! They’ve been abducted by aliens!”

Aliens which we also call extraterrestrial beings—in other words not of our Earth—are a fascinating thought for many of us. But instead of aliens, what if I told you of another possibility? Might you consider an explanation from a rabbi who lived more than two thousand years ago?

Rabbi Jesus of the Holy Bible, after having lived, died, and been resurrected is recorded as saying to his disciples, “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Holy Bible, Matthew 24:40-42 New International Version (NIV).

Many Christians, including me, refer to this predicted event as the “Rapture,” when living believers in Jesus will, in body and spirit, be transferred from an earthly existence to a heavenly existence. The word “rapture” itself is not found in the Bible. However, as I stated previously, the abduction event is vividly described.

If you are reading these words today, I thank you for your time and interest in what I say. I realize my blog post reaches out to many of diverse cultures and patterns of daily living. I can not assume that I have definitive answers to the Creative Spirit’s interventions into our individual lives.

I do believe our planet and others spread throughout the galaxy shout out to us that life in all its complex forms did not just spontaneously happen. And I believe we gain wisdom about life through study, reflection, and loving one another.

All will respond to the above stated ideas: some with apathy, others with agnosticism, and yet others with disbelief.

For me, as a Christian, I look forward to this event some call the “Rapture” should it come during my lifetime. When it does occur I believe it will be orchestrated by a loving God who doesn’t want any to be left behind.

What happens to those who lived a good life but had a different revelation as to who this God is? I’ll leave that up to a Just God.

In the meantime, here is my prayer of confession and belief. If you choose to do so, you may pray these words also. Or use your own words of seeking, repentance, and acceptance by a God of Grace.

Dear God,
I come just as I am with many imperfections.
However, I confess them to you now.
I am sorry for wrongs I have done and ask your forgiveness.
I believe you came to earth as a human being,
And gave your life willingly as a human sacrifice
On a Roman cross for my sins.
I now surrender the rest of my life to live for you as best I can,
Through your grace, help, and ever-present love.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.

Exploring Difficult Questions
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2024
ConnieCarlislePolley.com
NonnyDay.com