Back to the wise men now. The signs were given for Israel, not to the Gentiles. Therefore, since Israel is still the chosen people to God, we shoiuld not expect to be given any signs at all. The signs in the OT were meant for Israel not we Gentiles. Therefore, we woould be wise to see what signs God will provide for His people, Israel, to tell of His coming, as he did to Micah regarding the birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah for Israel.

The Messiah will be returning to rapture the believers of Israel, and also the believers who are Gentiles, since there is now no difference to Him since the extension of salvation beyond His chosen people, as described in the epistles of Paul and Peter.

The wise men focused their attention on the heavens where God speaks to His people, as stated clearly in Psalm 19 "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."

We likewise need to focus on the language of the stars in the heavens if we are to know His signs. He said very clearly that He will communicate in that way to man. The recent posts on this site and Five Doves concerning the starry constellations, especially Virgo and Leo, provide signs that we can use.

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/may2011/abe53.htm

The above link provides starry knowledge concerning the timing of His arrival which we should ponder since it meets the criteria for valic communication regarding signs, validated a long time ago when the wise men were led to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem on that peaceful, silent night when our dear Saviour first drew breath on this planet as the Son of God.

YBIC,

Robert B

But here is a summary:

1st coming verse: (Matthew 2: 4-6)When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet( Micah): ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Micah 5:2

Possible 2nd coming verse:  "Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren . Shall return to the children of Israel." Micah 5:3

Micah 5:3 is particularly for those waiting on him in the tribulation. However, I do believe our waiting for the rapture mirrors those waiting in the tribulation for their redemption. We shall see. I like the idea of a "Rapture star". Micah 5:3 does remind me of the woman in child birth in Rev. 12.
 

Welcome to RITA-N  If you joined from Central time it was about 1:30 am. 

God Bless YOU

Watching and Waiting wrote:

Tom, so funny that you would bring up the wise men because it hit me last night that we, us watchers here at RITAN and elsewhere, are the equivalent of the wise men at Jesus' birth.  Just let that one sink in.  We are the ones that have waited and  waited for these signs to happen, and just like the wise men, when the time comes, we will journey out to meet Him!

You know sis, the wise men had to go to Jerusalem before they got their final instructions on where to go.   Could something happen in or about Jerusalem that gives us our final key to the timing of rapture?    Something to consider I guess.

Some say that the star of Bethlehem was a conjuntion of two or three planets.  Others think it was a supernatural light in the sky while others believe it could have been an angel from God appearing as a star in the sky and  leading the wise men to the Savior.

Whatever the "Sign" will be, one thing for sure is that all who are looking for the appearing of Christ Jesus will know without a doubt that it is THE sign.  Whether it be a 3 day, 3 hour or 3 minute alert, it WILL happen.

What kinds of things could we take as a legitimate sign?

Ruth, I've been thinking about this. I think a strong stiring in the Spirit, that every watcher can feel, will be a strong warning. Also, a word spoken to several of us and then confirmed through scripture, is also good. Finally, an outside warning, such as an announcement that the U. S will not veto the PA vote or that a major middle east attack on Israel happens, would also serve as a warning. Or all three together! We will see; whatever the Lord does is fine with me.

You got the viewing orientation exactly right.  That's precisely the way the photo was taken.  We often see it processed incorrectly with the Sun in the upper left quadrant instead of where it is.

Kudos!

Thanks for the picture of the word ;o)

Linda

I never looked at this photo this way before.

Linda