Saturday in the Word | Rapture

We were at dinner celebrating our niece and her youngest daughter’s birthday when she asked her grandparents (Terri’s mom and dad) whether her dad had brought up the Rapture when they met for dinner recently. It turns out my brother-in-law is still focused on his belief that the Rapture is imminent, largely because he clings to the hope that it will reunite him with his late wife (Terri’s sister) in Glory.

Its hard to fault him for that longing. When we lose someone we love, our hearts naturally ache for reunion. It’s part of being human. But for believers, that longing must be anchored not in speculation or date-setting but in the promises of God. My brother-in-law’s recent obsession is disheartening and at times, maddening.

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What the Bible Says

Paul writes:

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 ESV

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

The word rapture isn’t found in the Bible. The word comes from the Latin rapturo, which translates the Greek word harpazo, meaning “to snatch away” or “to seize.” The Scriptures don’t give us every detail, and believers have long debated when and how the Rapture might occur. But the central truth remains certain:

Christ is coming again.

Jesus Himself said:

Matthew 24:36 ESV

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

So while we may long for that day, we cannot, indeed— dare not—pin it to a manufactured date on the calendar.

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Recent Claims of an Imminent Rapture

In recent months, a wave of online discussions and videos have reignited claims that the Rapture is near. Some pundits even name specific dates.

One of the more prominent voices is South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who said he received a vision that the Rapture would happen on September 23–24, 2025, coinciding with the Jewish Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah). Naturally, Mhlakela’s message spread quickly across platforms like TikTok under the hashtag #RaptureTok, with people sharing dreams, warnings, and even preparing “left-behind kits” for loved ones.

When those dates passed without incident, many were left confused or disheartened. Others tried to reinterpret the prophecy or shift the timeline. This is, unfortunately, something that has happened countless times before. Throughout church history, every attempt to fix a date for Christ’s return has failed. The whole thing is truly sad.

The Apostle Peter warned us long ago that some would scoff at the delay of the Lord’s return, saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” (2 Peter 3:4). In response, Peter reminded scoffers that the Lord is not slow but patient, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

The truth is simple: Jesus’ return is certain. Its timing remains hidden.

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How Should We Respond?

When conversations like this come up, here’s what helps me stay grounded:

1. Acknowledge the longing. The desire to see Jesus is good and holy. But longing should lead us to deeper faithfulness, not fear.
2. Remember Jesus’ words. “No one knows the day or hour.” Any teaching that claims otherwise must be tested against Scripture. Always. Every time.
3. Live ready, not restless. The early Church expected Christ’s return daily, but they didn’t stop working, serving, or loving others. Continue with the work God prepared and called you to do.
4. Show grace. Some people latch onto these predictions because of grief or pain. We’re called to comfort, not condemn. Again, it’s sad. How can we help them understand?
5. Keep perspective. The Rapture isn’t meant to stir panic but to inspire perseverance. It’s a promise, not a puzzle to solve.

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Living in Hope

Hope is a powerful thing. It steadies us when the world feels uncertain and helps us see beyond the pain of the present moment. The Rapture reminds us that this world isn’t the end of our story, but just a chapter in the greater story God is writing.

Whether Christ returns tomorrow or a thousand years from now, our call remains the same:

Live ready, love boldly, serve faithfully, and walk in the light of Jesus’ return.

We cannot control the timing of His return, but we can control how we live today. So may our lives echo Paul’s words:

1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

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My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessed hope of Christ’s return. When the world grows anxious and predictions swirl, help us keep our eyes fixed on You. Teach us to live with readiness and grace, to comfort those who grieve, and to walk in peace and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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A Reflection

The Rapture isn’t meant to divide or frighten. It’s meant to anchor us in hope. Let us not get lost in dates or debates. Instead, let us be found doing what Jesus told us to do: loving God, loving others, and shining light into a dark world until the day He calls us home.

Until my next post…

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

You can now find my articles in The Christian Grandfather Magazine.

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