Great Tribulation 14: Katie is Raptured. Rachel is Resurrected.

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (1 Corinthians 15:51)

Previously . . . an X80 solar flare and micronova produced cataclysmic disasters, destroying all electronics and moving Alaska into the Southern hemisphere.

Life is Good in the New World

Katie stepped out of her tent, inhaling deeply. The crisp morning air filled her lungs, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh vegetation. For the first time in two weeks, the earth didn’t quake during the night. Is it finally over?

All around her, people emerged from makeshift shelters and tents, blinking, smiling, and talking in the soft light of dawn.

Peter approached Katie, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “Looks like we’ve got perfect weather for planting,” he said, gesturing to the clear sky.

Katie nodded, her mind already racing with plans.

As the sun climbed, the community buzzed with activity. Men and women wielded shovels and hoes, turning over the rich soil and dropping last year’s seeds into freshly dug furrows. Children played in the forest—careful to keep their parents in sight.

Katie wiped the sweat from her brow, surveying their progress. Neat rows of tilled earth stretched before her, promising future harvests. The steady rhythm of work filled the air, punctuated by occasional laughter and friendly chatter.

Near the edge of the clearing, Rachel and three men hammered and sawed, building a new longhouse to replace the one destroyed during the upheaval. Just to be safe, they built the new longhouse at the 1000-foot level—just above the waterline of the 900-foot flood they recently experienced. The sounds of gardening and construction blended with birdsong, creating a symphony of renewal.

After lunch, Katie joined a team heading into the surrounding forest. They foraged for edible plants and set snares for rabbits, determined to build up their food stores. Katie’s keen eyes spotted a cluster of chanterelle mushrooms, their golden hue peeking out from beneath fallen leaves.

“Good Find!” Rachael commented, carefully harvesting the mushrooms. “These’ll be delicious.”

Returning to camp with pouches full of organic nutrition, Katie felt a deep sense of peace and accomplishment. The community had come together, facing extreme adversities with determination and hope.

At dusk, the group gathered around the campfire. Flames cast flickering shadows on tired but contented faces. Peter stood, raising his voice to address them.

“Friends,” he began, “today marks a new chapter for us. We’ve passed through a cataclysmic event, and today we began the work of rebuilding. Let’s take a moment to give thanks for our safety and all our blessings.”

Heads bowed as Peter prayed. Katie closed her eyes, gratitude welling up inside her. When she opened them again, the campfire’s dancing light showed determination and unity reflecting on each face.

When stars grew bright in the darkening sky, Katie returned to her tent. As she unrolled her sleeping bag, her muscles ached from the day’s labor. But despite her fatigue and soreness, she felt a sense of peace settle over her. Lulled by the gentle sounds of the night, she laid down and descended into restful sleep.

Hussein’s Victory

For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 11:9-10)

The sun beat down mercilessly on the streets of Jerusalem, its rays reflecting off the ancient stone buildings. Despite the heat, a crowd gathered in the city center, their eyes glued to a gruesome sight.

Two bodies lay motionless in the street, exposed to the sun and jeering onlookers. Blood was trickling out from under the chest of one of them.

Two men in black police uniforms approached the bodies. One kept his rifle pointed at the bodies, the other man had his sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. He inspected their wounds, looked at their eyes, and felt for a pulse. Satisfied, he looked up and shook his head.

Hussein stood on the balcony overlooking the scene, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face. He nodded acknowledgement at the man below.

Finally, the two that tormented me for so long are dead. Their accusations and negativity were a constant thorn in my side. Good riddance.

“Sir,” an aide approached, speaking in a hushed tone. “It’s confirmed. They’re dead.”

Hussein nodded, his eyes never leaving the bodies below. “Good. Let them rot for all to see.”

In the street below, people began dancing around the bodies. As Hussein watched, a woman said something to the dead prophets. She spit on one, then the other. Finally, she rubbed the sole of her shoe on each of their faces.

“Look at them now!” her male companion shouted, gesturing at the bodies. “Where’s their God to save them now?”

A woman nearby cackled, raising a bottle in a mock toast. “To the fall of the troublemakers! May they never speak again!”

As the celebrations continued, Hussein turned to an advisor. “Ensure that no one moves the bodies. Let ‘em lie there and bloat in the sun.”

The advisor nodded, dispatching an order for police to maintain a perimeter around the bodies.

Hussein looked out over the city, savoring his victory. For three and a half years, these two challenged me, performing magic and calling down plagues. Now, they’re dead. I win.

The Court Shall Sit

The Antichrist . . .

made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. (Daniel 7:21-22)

Judgment Was Given For the Saints of the Most High

In the celestial realm, the Almighty convened his divine council weeks before the usual time.

Usually, the council convened at Yom Kippur each year, but this year was different. This year’s Yom Kippur would be the climax of the ages since creation.

The air crackled with anticipation as . . .

Thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. (Daniel 7:9)

His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. (Daniel 7:9-10)

In addition to millions of angels, ‘the spirits of the righteous made perfect’ also attended the divine council meeting. (Hebrews 12:23)

Then,

With the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. (Daniel 7:13)

A hush fell over millions of angels and saints as Jesus bowed respectfully before his Father.

Jesus addressed YHWH and the twenty-four elders of his divine council—twelve seated to YHWH’s left and twelve to his right.

“For more than 6000 years, the Adversary, Satan, has charged YHWH with unfairness, accusing him of purposefully creating angels who were prone to falling into sin. I now present three requests for the council’s final decision regarding this charge.”

“By their faith and commitment, my 144,000 overcomers chose to progress in the opposite direction, transforming themselves, by faith, from rebellious sinners into holy sons of God. In spite of hardship, deprivation, and Satanic temptations and persecution, they all chose to follow truth and pursue righteousness. So, by their faith, endurance, and sacrifices, my overcomers proved Satan’s ancient accusation against YHWH—that Satan wasn’t responsible for his fall into sin—is false. Therefore, based on the testimonies of the lives of my 144,000 overcomers, I request the council adjudicate YHWH as innocent regarding Satan’s ancient accusation.”

“I also request the council to revoke Satan’s earthly authority over the nations of mankind, and authorize Me to establish My kingdom on the earth.”

“Lastly, to fulfill Psalm 82:7, I request the immortality of Satan and his followers be rescinded. Their destiny is to die as men.”

The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:10)

The Books Were Opened

These weren’t ordinary books. They were the records of everything that transpired from the beginning of time. Every deed, every thought, every moment of history lay open before them.

As the pages turned of their own accord, scenes from throughout earth’s history flashed before the council.

• They saw Satan fall into sin, in an age before God said, “Let there be light.”

• They saw the destruction wrought by Satan, from when he deceived Eve until Hussein killed the Two Witnesses. The council saw all of mankind’s sin and suffering, and the mockery made of everything good and true.

• The council saw the crucifixion of Jesus, and the sacrificial faith and endurance of his followers, from Adam’s son, Abel, to the present day.

• They saw the lives of the 144,000 overcomers, who followed Jesus and God’s truth, against great opposition, with most of them suffering martyrdom.

• They saw the gospel of the kingdom of God proclaimed to every soul, and the Two Witnesses warning all nations not to follow the Antichrist, or they’ll suffer God’s wrath.

Having seen it all, the council deliberated, their communication beyond words, a pure exchange of understanding and wisdom. Their decision would alter the course of creation.

Finally, after what seemed both an instant and an eternity, they reached a decision. The Ancient of Days raised his hand. Silence fell as the council spokesman stood.

The Divine Council’s Decree

His voice shook the very foundations of reality. “The decree is made,” he proclaimed.

“In fulfillment of Daniel 7:26, the council now revokes the dominion of the adversary. May it be consumed and destroyed to the end. From this day, the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. YHWH’s kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”

As the words echoed through the heavenly realm, a great, triumphal shout of praise spontaneously ascended from millions of angels and saints.

The decision had been made and the council’s decree pronounced. Satan’s reign of darkness on earth was legally over.

But Satan’s reign wouldn’t physically be over until the council’s ruling was enforced on the earth.

“Further,” the council spokesman continued, “in fulfillment of Psalm 82, the immortal status of Satan and his followers is now rescinded. They are now mortal.”

Jesus bowed before the throne. “Amen. It shall be done,” he declared.

And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Dan 7:13-14

As the council dispersed, preparations began for the ultimate battle. Michael’s warrior angels readied themselves. Soon, their angelic army would join Jesus’ army of resurrected saints. Together, they’d follow Jesus down to enforce the council’s decree.

Come Up Here!

Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them. (Revelation 11:12)

The streets of Jerusalem were eerily quiet. The bloated bodies of the Two Witnesses laid in the street for three and a half days, a gory spectacle that drew crowds of onlookers. Some jeered, others simply stared in morbid fascination. After three days in the sun, the stench of death hung in the air.

Suddenly, the bodies of the Two Witnesses stirred, and a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Color returned to their ashen faces, and their chests began to rise and fall with breath. Within a minute, they were standing, their eyes blazing with renewed life.

Fear gripped the onlookers, especially those who’d just been jeering. Some stumbled backward. Others froze in shock. The Two Witnesses, who tormented the world with their prophecies and supernatural powers, were alive again.

“Come up here!” a thunderous voice echoed down from the sky, causing the city to tremble.

Before the astonished eyes of their enemies, the Two Witnesses ascended. They rose slowly at first, then with increasing speed, until they disappeared into a luminous cloud.

A lightning bolt flashed down from the cloud, and immediately, the earth convulsed. Buildings swayed and toppled. Streets split open. Chaos erupted. When the dust settled, a tenth of Jerusalem lay in ruins and 7000 people were dead.

The survivors, shaken to their core, looked around at the devastation as the realization of what they’d just witnessed sank in. This was no mere natural disaster—this was God.

Fear gave way to awe, and then to reverence. People fell to their knees in the debris-strewn streets. Voices that mocked, now repented. Hard hearts were softened. In that moment of clarity, the survivors in Jerusalem glorified God, recognizing His power and his obvious validation of the Two Witnesses’ message. (Revelation 11:13)

Rachel and Moses Reunited

Katie stood near the corner of the new longhouse, gazing out at the now-familiar landscape that had become their home. She marveled at how quickly they’d adapted to their new environment.

Rachel approached, her face etched with the same mixture of wonder and weariness that Katie felt. “It’s hard to believe it’s only been three weeks since the earthquake,” Rachel said.

Katie nodded, about to respond, when a commotion from the edge of the camp caught their attention. Peter was running towards them, his face pale with urgency.

“Katie! Rachel!” he called out, breathlessly. “Lilith’s soldiers . . . they’ve found us!”

Before either woman could react, the sound of gunfire erupted from the tree line.

Katie grabbed Rachel’s arm, pulling her towards cover, but it was too late. A bullet found its mark, and Rachel stumbled, her eyes wide with shock.

“No!” Katie screamed, catching her friend as she fell. Blood oozed across Rachel’s chest, staining her shirt a deep crimson.

The camp erupted into chaos as people ran for cover. Katie dragged Rachel behind a large boulder, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood with her hands.

“Katie,” Rachel whispered, her voice weak. “It’s okay. This . . . this is part of God’s plan.” A faint smile appeared on her face as she whispered, “Now I’ll be with Moses.”

Tears streamed down Katie’s face as she watched the light fade from Rachel’s eyes. “Please, Rachel, hold on. We need you. I need you.”

But Rachel’s body went limp in Katie’s arms, her last breath escaping in a soft sigh. Katie clutched her friend’s body, her sobs drowned out by continuing gunfire.

As quickly as it started, Lilith’s soldiers retreated, leaving destruction and grief in their wake.

Peter ran to Katie’s boulder.

Seeing that Rachel was bloody and lifeless, he said, “Katie, are you all right?”

Sobbing, she nodded. Peter knelt beside Katie, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

“There were only a couple of them shooting, so this was probably a scouting party, not an assault team. It was a hit-and-run attack, and I think they’re gone. I sent a couple of men to follow them to make sure.”

Katie asked, “Was anyone else hit?”

“I don’t think so. As soon as the shooting started, everyone took cover.”

The community gathered around Katie, who was still cradling Rachel’s body. Their faces showed a mixture of sorrow and fear.

Peter said, “We’ll post lookouts while we bury Rachel. But now that Lilith knows where we are, we’re going to have to leave this place.”

Two men dug Rachel’s grave in two hours. As they dug, other community members ferried food and supplies back up to their mountaintop Nova shelter, where they’d be temporarily safe from Lilith until they found a new, permanent location.

As men lowered Rachel’s body into the grave, Katie looked down at Rachel’s peaceful, smiling face one last time. She whispered. “I’ll see you again soon.”

As she followed Peter and others up to their Nova shelter, loaded with all the supplies they could carry, she almost envied Rachel. She’s now in that wonderful place, reunited with Moses and all the others who’ve gone before.

Yom Teruah, the Day of Trumpets

October 2nd  

The pleasant autumn air carried the scent of spruce as Katie stood on the mountainside, gazing out at the view from the community’s new location. She closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face.

She became aware of a faint sound. She couldn’t tell where it was coming from, and it had a strange, musical quality. A horn?

Katie’s eyes snapped open. “The shofar!” Her heart raced.

The sound steadily grew louder and more intense. It wasn’t just one shofar, but countless trumpets blending into a magnificent, otherworldly chorus.

Is this the Tekiah Gedolah, the last trumpet? It echoed through the mountains and valleys. Is everyone on the whole earth hearing this?

It’s happening! her eyes wide with wonder. Yom Teruah. The Day of Trumpets. God’s trumpet!

As the trumpets reached their crescendo, Katie felt a strange sensation. It was as if every cell in her body was vibrating, resonating with the heavenly trumpets. She looked down at her hands, watching in awe as they shimmered with ethereal light.

In the blink of an eye, Katie felt lifted, weightless. The world around her blurred, colors swirling into a brilliant tapestry of light. Time seemed to stand still.

When the light faded, Katie found herself transformed. Her body felt different—lighter, stronger, radiant, with an inner glow. Overjoyed, she realized, This is my glorified, immortal body! She closed her eyes and raised her hands in silent worship.

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)

When she opened her eyes, Jesus stood in front of her. He embraced her, then looked into her eyes and said, “Yes, Katie, you’re home, and nothing will ever separate us again, forever. Well done! I’m so proud of you.” In his embrace, she closed her eyes, absorbing his words of approval. When she opened her eyes, Jesus was gone.

She looked around and saw Peter nearby, and all the other brethren from Beaver Creek, overjoyed at their new bodies and paradise all around them.

“Katie!” a familiar voice called out.

Her heart leaped with joy. Ethan was running toward her, his face beaming with love and excitement. Behind him, Rachel, Moses, Uncle Andy, and David and Anna Kusteel all hurried toward her, all of them shining with the same glorious, golden light that now emanated from her.

Following behind them were her parents, aunts Sarah and Ella, and many other friends and ancestors. They were all smiling and joyful. But curiously, they didn’t emanate the same light as the first group.

Tears of joy streamed down Katie’s face as she embraced Ethan. “We made it!” she whispered, her voice filled with awe and gratitude.

Rachel enveloped them both in a hug, her laughter ringing out like music. “We did it, Katie. We’re home.”

Uncle Andy placed a hand on Katie’s shoulder, his eyes twinkling with pride and affection. “Well done, sweetie. I’m really proud of you!”

Her family and friends similarly welcomed her with sincere hugs and blessings.

As they stood together, basking in the joy of their reunion, Katie felt a presence that filled her with indescribable peace and love. She knew, without a doubt, that Jesus was there, among them all, in spirit.

“The Bride has made herself ready,” Uncle Andy said softly, quoting from Revelation.

Katie nodded. Understanding was dawning in her glorified mind. This was the rapture, the first Resurrection, the event we’ve all been waiting for. As she looked around, she saw countless others—saints from all ages—gathered in joyful celebration.

“What happens now?” Katie asked, her voice filled with wonder and anticipation.

Ethan took her hand, his touch sending waves of warmth through her. “Now,” he said with a smile, “we prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Our greatest adventures are just beginning.”

As she adapted to her new surroundings, Katie was overwhelmed with a sense of completion and joy. Everything we endured, every trial and triumph, has led to this moment. They’d each finished their race, and now they wore the crown of God’s glory, with immortality.

Gathering for Armageddon

And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16)

In Israel, the broad Valley of Armageddon bustled with activity as millions of soldiers from every corner of the world converged.

What once would’ve been a swift mobilization with mechanized forces had become a grueling journey—by foot, horseback, and sail.

The sun’s X80 flare and coronal mass ejection rendered everything with electronic components useless, which included modern transportation and communication technologies, forcing Hussein’s armies to rely on ancient methods of travel and communication.

General Zhao, commander of Hussein’s Asian contingent, wiped sweat from his brow as he surveyed the sprawling encampment. “How many have arrived?” he asked his aide.

“Our latest estimates put the number at just over ten million, sir,” the aide replied. “More are still trickling in from the coastlines.”

Zhao nodded grimly. The logistics of moving and supplying such a massive force was a staggering challenge. Without airplanes, trucks, trains, or ships to carry food and supplies, armies were forced to scavenge food, water, and supplies from every village, town, and city they passed through. Fields were trampled, livestock slaughtered, wells ran dry, women abused, and local populations fled or starved in their wake.

In the command tent, Hussein pored over maps with his top generals.

“The last of the European forces should arrive by nightfall,” General Müller reported. “Though I fear they’ll be in no condition to fight for days.”

Hussein’s eyes blazed. “They’ll fight when I tell them to, exhausted or not.” After a pause, he added, “Fortunately for them, there’s more than a week before Yom Kippur, which is when they’ll need to fight. Feeding them until then is our biggest challenge, so we’ll keep the army moving so they can continue to scrounge their own food from new territories.”

As night fell over the Valley of Armageddon, an uneasy tension settled over the vast army. Millions of men from every nation huddled around campfires, sharpened weapons, and tried to rest.

Hussein retired to his private quarters, but found no respite. He paced restlessly, his grand vision so close to fruition. Come dawn, we’ll begin marching to Jerusalem. And woe to any power—earthly or divine—that dares to stand in my way.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:8-9)

The room shimmered with golden light as Katie found herself in a vast, ethereal banquet hall. Countless tables stretched as far as the eye could see, each adorned with pristine white linen, floral arrangements, exquisite porcelain plates and cups, and sparkling silver cutlery. The atmosphere buzzed with joy and anticipation.

She took a deep breath through her nose. What’s that smell? A scent more lovely than honeysuckle filled the air, and the gentle, warm breeze carried a melody from a distant heavenly choir.

Katie looked down at herself, marveling at the pure white robe that draped her glorified body. She felt a gentle touch on her arm and turned to see Ethan. He was also wearing a white robe, his face radiant with love and wonder.

His hand touched her cheek. “I just noticed. Your scar, it’s gone.”

Her hand reached up to touch her left cheek. It was smooth. In this place everyone leaves their scars behind.

Having sensed her thought, Ethan said, “Yes, that’s right. I received my glorified, resurrected body a split-second before you arrived, and mine is scar-free too.”

Before Katie could respond, a hush fell over the assembly. She turned to see Jesus himself, resplendent in majesty, standing at the head of the hall. His presence filled the room with overwhelming love and peace.

“Welcome, my beloved brethren,” Jesus said, his voice resonating through every heart. “The time has come for our Marriage Supper.”

As Jesus spoke, Katie noticed the gathering was divided into two groups—the bride and the guests.

The bride—comprising all of God’s overcomers, from Abel to the present day—in their glorified bodies, wearing white robes. They are God’s elect, the dead and living saints who received their glorified bodies in the rapture, which is also the first resurrection. (compare 1 Cor 15:51-52 and Rev 20:4)

The guests—these are the spirits of all the bride’s friends and relatives who live in paradise pending their physical body’s resurrection after the millennium. (see Heb 12:23 and Rev 20:5)

Over the next seven days, Katie watched in awe as the faithfulness and exploits of every elect saint were showcased for all to see. She saw Abel’s pure sacrifice, Noah’s unwavering obedience, Abraham’s faith, Moses’ leadership, David’s heart for God, and countless others throughout history.

When they came to recent times, Katie’s heart swelled as she witnessed Uncle Andy’s quiet strength and unwavering faith, even in the face of martyrdom. She saw Rachel’s courage and compassion, touching lives until her last breath.

To her surprise, Katie saw her own story unfold—her journey from a naïve teenager to a woman of faith, standing firm in the face of threats, persecution, and loss. She felt a mix of humility and gratitude, realizing how God had worked through her life.

As the feast reached its climax, Jesus stood once more, his arms outstretched. “My beloved bride,” he said, his voice filled with infinite love, “the time has come for us to become one, as our brother Paul wrote:”

For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31-32)

In that moment, Katie felt a surge of divine love and unity overwhelm her. She and all the elect saints were drawn into an indescribable, climactic spiritual oneness with Christ, fulfilling Paul’s words in a way that transcended her understanding.

As the Marriage Supper of the Lamb concluded, Katie knew this was not an ending, but a glorious new beginning.

In her immortal, glorified body, in perfect unity with Christ and her fellow saints, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, starting in three days with the battle of Armageddon.

---

Coming next week . . . The battle of Armageddon, the salvation of surviving Jews, the great supper of God, and the lake of fire.

If you’re enjoying this series, please click the Like and Restack buttons. Also, feel free to leave a Comment and tell me what you liked, or what could be improved in the coming eBook/paperback/Audio versions. Thanks!