Our Heavenly Father is in total control. He does nothing in a haphazard manner. For this reason, many students of Bible prophecy expect the Return of the Lord Jesus for His church (known generically as the Rapture) to occur on one of His Holy Days. In Hebrew these days are referred to as mowed(Strong’s H4150), or specific, appointed times.

A favorite Holy Day upon which many expect the trumpet sound is the Feast of Trumpets. This day falls on Tishri 1 and occurs in late September or early October. The purpose given for this appointed time is limited, perhaps obscure. It is to be a day of blowing of trumpets, rest, and making an offering by fire. (Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-2) And, by the way, these Scriptures note that Tishri is the seventh month and, therefore, not the beginning of the new year as practiced by most Jews today. Please see Exodus 12:2.

This last requirement of Leviticus 23:25, an offering by fire, is interesting because Christians are baptized by fire:

• “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire” – Luke 3:16

Another favorite Holy Day is the Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Resurrection Sunday. This day is widely referred to as the birthday of the church. It is also the day when Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, claimed Ruth, the Gentile bride. (Ruth 3:1-4:10) This is such a clear picture of the Jesus, the redeemer, claiming his Gentile bride, the church.

For many Christians anticipating the trumpet call, Pentecost seems to be the appropriate day for the Lord to come and claim His bride.

There is yet another Holy Day. Perhaps in the mind of Christians, this day is the most holy of all; Resurrection Sunday. The day the Lord Jesus was resurrected was specified by the Lord as the Day of Firstfruits. This day is denoted as the “day after the Sabbath,” or Sunday. (Leviticus 23:11) Of course, Jesus was the Firstfruits of the grave. (First Corinthians 15:20)

Again, what a wonderful picture, a wonderful example, for the church to be resurrected on the same day as the Lord Jesus! What a blessed hope! This would also be clear to the world, when Christians disappear on the same day as the Resurrection of Jesus.

I have no idea which, if any, of the above appointed times the Lord will call us to be with Him. I simply look forward to the Day. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! And always praise His name!