Jesus or the Rapture? Which would you choose?

If you follow me, you know that I talk often about the upcoming, soon, rapture. Why? Because this is an interest the Lord has put on my heart since I first got saved. In a sense, I believe He's placed me as a watchman on the wall, though I hesitate to take on that title. However for the past 25 years, I've cautiously and carefully been watching for all the prophesies and signs to be fulfilled.  And can I dare say that I've not seen so many of them being fulfilled all at once? We are close, very close to being rescued out of here. But that's not what this post is about.

Recently, I heard a question posed by a pastor online, and it stopped me and made me really think what my answer would be. For those of us desperately longing for Jesus to return and get us out of here, what is it exactly we are longing for?  Some may say

• This world is so bad, I just want to get out of here
• I don't want my kids raised here
• I can't wait to see heaven! 
• I'm excited to see my family and friends who have gone before me
• I want to see Jesus! 
• I want my new glorified body that won't get sick, old, or die! 
• I'm tired of being sick
• I'm tired of the battle here, all the problems and struggles and heartache

Those are ALL very good reasons.  But let's ask ourselves, what is our main motivation for wanting to be raptured? Is it for the wealth, comfort, happiness and joy of Heaven? The freedom from sin, pain, diseases and heartache?

Or do we just want to be with Jesus?

Imagine if you are engaged to be married. Let's say you own property in every country, tons of villas and vacation homes. You are very wealthy and can provide your new spouse with everything he or she could possibly want. You can make their lives happy, comfortable and easy. They tell you they love you and can't live without you... that it's you they want. Then, let's say, you lost everything and you ended up poor and living in a shack. And your fiance no longer wants to be with you. They break off the engagement and go away sad.  What were they truly after? Maybe they loved you a little, but their real goal was the easy life, the wealth, the comforts.

Now, let's say Jesus comes in the rapture to get you, but He gives you a choice.

1. Go to a world that is much worse than this one. But He'll be coming with you and be physically by your side every step of the way. 
2. Or go to Heaven with all its benefits, but He won't be there. 

I actually had to stop and think on that one. I had to make sure my heart was in the right place. Is Jesus my first love? Is it Him that I desire most of all? Or is it just that I long for the struggle to end and can't wait for all the pleasures of heaven?

Amazingly, the excitement and longing for the rapture itself can become a god and take the place of Jesus if we aren't careful.

So, I leave you with this question.

Would you choose Jesus in a shack in an evil world or would you choose heaven without Him?