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"crown of 12 stars" upon her head -- beneath her feet is the moon; this is referred to in scripture as a great wonder or sign. This woman represents the nation of Israel. Having the moon beneath her feet represents the fact that the generation that sees the return of Israel as a nation and mankind's conquering (or landing) upon the moon will be the one that sees Christ's return. If we cannot perceive these signs we are probably not walking close enough to the Lord -- for Enoch knew the signs of his times and so should we -- Daniel said "the wise shall understand." (Dan 12 v. 10)
Finally the most sobering fact of all is that 50 sons of the prophets stood afar off watching the whole series of events. Fifty is the number of Pentecost and I dare to predict that many in the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement today will be left behind for God has declared them afar off. Implicit within the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements today is the same form of idolatry that Elisha was guilty of -- which rendered him unacceptable for the Rapture, and that is: the idolizing and following of the servants of God rather than following God Himself. It's so easy to let others direct us -- it's comfortable following strong leaders -- letting them make decisions for us. Far too often we lose sight of the fact that Christ has called us to follow Himself. "Follow Me", he cried, over and over again. We are to personally "follow the Lamb withersoever he goest." Many, it seems, will be disqualified from participating in the Firstfruits Rapture for just this very sin. Granted, God does bring people together to work, but when and if that relationship deteriorates into a mentor -- disciple union, we have fallen into a most serious form of idolatry. In Rev. (1 v. 6) we see that believers are called to be "kings and priests unto God." The church during the dark ages tried to place itself as an intermediary between God and man. But Paul (in 1 Tim. 2 v. 5) said there is "one God and one mediator between God and men -- the man Christ Jesus." God is a jealous God. All true ministers of the Gospel should be directing people in only one direction -- away from themselves and up to the Lord.
Matthew (7 vs. 21-23) points to the fact that many will come after the Rapture protesting to the Lord that they prophesied, cast out devils and performed many wonderful works in His name, but He will declare unto them -"I never knew you -- depart from me, ye that work iniquity." You see, just before this statement the Lord had revealed another sobering requirement for Rapture, and this is that only those doing His will can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Watchman Nee points out that the words "I never knew you" would probably be better translated -- I never recognized your works as being authorized by Me. You see, the degree of Lordship that Jesus exerts in our lives will ultimately be the great leveler that will either procure His approval or His rejection at His coming. If we are following men, or doing our own thing, and calling it God's will, -the fire of separation will reveal it on that day. The old adage, Many went but few were sent, seems apropos.
Elijah, representing those doing the Father's perfect will (at His personal command) will be Raptured; those following any other voice (be it prophet or their own) will be left behind. Still, after repentance (signified by Elisha's tearing of His garment) God will graciously pour out a double portion (on certain chosen vessels) to enable them to help his people through the next 3 1/2 years of tribulation.
One of the greatest witnesses that testified to Elijah's calling as a true prophet of
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