How can we prepare for the separation described in Luke 17:35? Setting the scene “Two women will be grinding grain together: one will be taken and the other left.” (Luke 17:35) Jesus is describing a literal, sudden separation that will mark His return. Ordinary routines will be interrupted, and eternal destinies will be revealed. Why the separation happens • God distinguishes between those who belong to Christ and those who do not (2 Timothy 2:19). • It fulfills promises of rescue for believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and judgment for unbelievers (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). • It arrives without warning, “like lightning” (Luke 17:24) and “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Heart preparation: anchoring in Christ • Repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Salvation through faith in Jesus is the only security when the separation comes (John 14:6). • Remain in daily fellowship with Him: “Abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed” (1 John 2:28). • Guard against spiritual complacency. Lot’s wife looked back and perished (Luke 17:32). Fix your affection forward, on Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 3:1-4). Lifestyle preparation: choices that reflect readiness • Pursue holiness: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11-12). • Walk in love and light (Ephesians 5:1-11). Our conduct should point others to the Savior before the separation arrives. • Redeem the time: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Community preparation: strengthening one another • Gather consistently with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Mutual encouragement keeps hearts awake. • Serve and build up the body (1 Peter 4:10-11). Investing in others prepares the whole church for Christ’s appearing. • Share the gospel urgently (2 Corinthians 5:20). Compassion compels us to warn and invite before it’s too late. Vigilance and watchfulness • Stay alert in prayer (Mark 13:33). Prayer tunes the heart to God’s timetable. • Discern the times without date-setting. Jesus said, “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:30). • Keep hope burning: “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Living in confident expectation The coming separation is certain and sudden, but it need not be fearful. By trusting Christ, pursuing holiness, investing in the church, and living watchfully, we stand ready—whether grinding grain, working, studying, or resting—to be among those joyfully taken by the Lord when He appears. |
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