You May Not Escape the Tribulation!
By DON ESPOSITO
Right-click to download PDF version
Some who think they are going to a place of safety to avoid tribulation MAY NOT GET THERE AT ALL! Read WHY and whether this could include YOU!
Those in Yahweh’s Congregation have heard many times the blunt warning of Yahshua Messiah: “Then be watchful at every time, begging that you be counted worthy to escape all these things, the things being about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).
We have been told many times to watch world conditions, to understand and know the prophecies of Yahweh, so that we will know when the time comes for Elohim’s people to escape. We have also been taught many, many times in sermons, at Feasts, and in Congregation services that we are to pray consistently without intermission, not neglecting prayer for a single day so that we might be accounted worthy to escape. But some are neglecting their duty!
Amazing Prophecy for Today
The escape of Yahshua’s Congregation to safety is mentioned in Revelation 12. In this chapter is an amazing prophecy concerning the Congregation of Yahweh from ancient times until the return of Yahshua Messiah.
During our time Satan will be very angry with Yahweh’s people, since he knows that he has but a short time left to deceive the nations. He is going to increase the pressure against Yahweh’s people, and is going to do all he can to increase the persecution of deceived men against us! This persecution will become so severe that Yahweh will find it necessary to supernaturally protect His people, and help them escape to a place of safety, before the full force of tribulation and world trouble comes on the earth.
Notice the symbolism of this supernatural protection:
“And two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness, to her place, where she is nourished there for a time, and times, and half a time, away from the serpent’s face” (Rev 12:14).
Not all of the Congregation will be accounted worthy to go to safety. Verse 17 of this same chapter shows that after those in Yahshua’s Congregation (who are doing their part in the Work of Yahweh) go to a place of safety there will be a “remnant” left. They keep Yahweh’s Commandments and have the testimony of Yahshua Messiah, but are not accounted worthy to escape. This remnant will be subject to the full wrath of Satan the Devil. He makes war against them. Why?
This same remnant is implied in the prophecies of Revelation, chapter three. In the second and third chapters we have the various eras of Yahshua’s Congregation mentioned in detail. At the present time we are in the Laodicean era of Yahweh’s Congregation. One that is lukewarm and lacking zeal and one that compromises on the Word of Yahweh when it is not convenient to be obedient to it.
However, Yahweh warns the remnant in Revelation 2 and 3 to come out of the stagnant, spiritually defiled congregations and to become a Philadelphian believer in Spirit and truth, as this particular Congregation is promised that it will be kept from the hour of trial which is going to come upon all the world in order to try those dwelling on the earth (Rev 3:10).
But not all who are with us are spiritually of us— some are of the Laodicean spirit! The last Congregation, the Congregation of Laodicea, does not have this promise. They receive the fury of Satan. Very likely few of these people will survive the terrible times of trouble and torture that will follow.
We should all make our calling and election sure. We do not have time to wait for a year, five years or ten years to get ready to be “spiritual.”
We cannot wait to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Master and Savior Yahshua Messiah. The time to be preparing is now! And every day that passes that you don’t come out of the world and prepare is a day you will never get back again in your short life-span of a test to prove to Yahweh that you will be faithful to Him and His Torah for eternity.
Of those who are a part of a branch of Yahshua’s true congregation many are weak and carnal minded. They have no zeal. They do not have their hearts completely and totally in Yahweh’s work and are not doing with their might the great work that Yahweh has commissioned all of us to do in these last days.
Do You Have the Wrong Goal?
Many of you have the wrong goal—and don’t know it! You are looking forward to escaping to safety as your goal in life. In effect, you have exactly the same belief and goal that many of the religious sects have today. In some Congregations it is called the rapture. In others it is escaping hell by “going to heaven.” The idea of going to a place of safety is exactly the same to some of you as it is to those who believe in the rapture theory.
The erroneous impression is that if you can be accounted worthy to escape to a place of safety, all of your troubles will be over. You have made the grade! Your entry into Yahweh’s Kingdom is then completely assured. Your trials and troubles will be over. Don’t be so sure!
You need to understand more about the circumstances that are prophesied concerning the time when Yahweh’s Congregation does go to safety! This is a time of extreme trouble for the whole world. This is a time when every man’s hand will be against his neighbor. It will be a time of crime, war, of pestilence, famine and of supernatural occurrences in the weather and in the sky. It is a time that will become so terrible that nothing like it has ever come on earth before. We find an account of it in Matthew 24. The Good- News of the Kingdom must first be preached to the world, and after that the climax of this age is going to come.
There will be the abomination of desolation that Daniel foretold. When this abomination is set up, those who may be in the land of Judea are commanded to flee to the mountains. It will be so pressing that Yahshua said they should not even go into the house to take out the clothes or other necessities.
It is a time so terrible and urgent that those women who are pregnant, or those who have suckling children will have great difficulty (verse 19). It is a time when those in Judea will take a “flight”—flee for their lives.
Yahweh’s people will be as “a brand plucked from the fire,” or as an animal snatched away from a trap. A time of extreme distress and trouble, not only on the world but also on Yahweh’s own people. John describes this time of trouble in the Book of Revelation as a time when Satan in his anger is going to “And the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a river after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried off by the river” (Rev 12:15). Every kind of snare will be laid for Yahweh’s people. But Yahweh intervenes supernaturally and helps the woman (verse 16).
Paradise or Wilderness?
It is not a time of ease, but a time of trouble. You should begin to see now that for some, this will be the beginning of their problems, not the end. Some will find they have not grown spiritually enough to overcome the trials and troubles of the real desert wilderness. Some will fall by the wayside. Some people will look at the paltry things they have accumulated in this life, property, bank accounts, and comfort. These must be left completely and totally. Others will see loved ones and relatives who are not in Yahweh’s Congregation. Some of these people will find that when they count the cost, they will not “leave all” literally, and follow Yahshua Messiah. They will find that they cannot leave relatives, and friends. They simply never really prepared for that day and will allow Satan to hoodwink them and stay behind. Others will not leave houses, jobs, or money.
They will not be accounted worthy to escape. It will be a time of serious decision for Yahweh’s people and many will not make the right decision, and some will even lose their salvation over these wrong decisions as they will see they never really had faith but simply were believing in certain rituals and never completely putting Yahweh first before everything, even family!
We know that the Faithful will escape to a place of safety, but where? Revelation 12:14 states that it will be in the “wilderness”—not a paradise! In the time of the end the ancient land of Edom, Moab and Ammon shall escape conquest by the End Time Beast Power (Daniel 11:41). Here is a small desert area, which will be protected from this Fascist- Global World Government. The place of escape in all likelihood will be within this desolate region.
The land anciently occupied by these nations is to the southeast of the Dead Sea! In this region is a very famous natural stronghold called SELA. Certain scriptures seem to indicate that this place may be the place of protection. This word is often translated Rock in the Old Testament. Isaiah 42:11 states: “Let the wilderness and its cities lift up, the villages where Kedar lives. Let those dwelling in the rock sing; let them shout from the top of the mountains.”
There are few inhabitants of Sela today, only a few Bedouin Arabs live in the area. This text speaks of Yahweh’s people shouting from the top of the mountains, giving glory to Yahweh because of His might and strength. Certainly this must be referring to Yahweh’s people rejoicing over the greatness and power of Yahweh, Who protects them in safety.
Even the book of Psalms refers to this place. “Who will lead me into the fortified city? Who will lead me over Edom?” (Psalm 108:10). The fortified city referred to here may well be the naturally fortified city of Sela, which is located in the area of ancient Edom. There are other scriptures which also indicate that Sela may be the place of protection.
Isa 33:16 He shall live on high; strongholds of rocks will be his retreat; his bread shall be given; his waters are faithful.
Isa 33:17 Your eyes shall see the king in his beauty; they shall see a land that is very far off.
But Yahweh will make this evident and clear at the proper time and in the proper way. Sela is a very barren, deserted area and extremely difficult to get in and out of. There is no airport in Sela, nor any major roads even nearby. The only way to fly there would be by huge airplanes, which probably could not land any nearer than Amman, Jordan! It is still many difficult miles to Sela! Remember the trials of the Exodus under Moses?
Complainers will be Unworthy to Escape
If you went three days into a hot, dusty desert without water would you complain? What if you had to fast for several days? Would you complain and rebel against Yahshua Messiah?
Today we complain about trivialities. Most of us haven’t had to go without food or water. We complain when the water doesn’t taste right. Wen do not have a completely “balanced diet.” We complain if we don’t have fresh vegetables or fruit. We complain when we are not able to keep up to the same financial status of others who may be more prosperous. We complain about those whom Yahweh has set over us in authority, just as the ancient Israelites did. We will never get to a place of safety with such wrong and rotten attitudes!
What is Sela Like?
If Sela is to be the place of safety for those accounted worthy to escape, we ought to know a little bit about what it is like. “In our own time, the remoteness of Sela and its intense summer heat and winter cold have limited exploration.” Sela is no Garden of Eden. It is no “cloud nine.” If this is the place where Yahweh’s Congregation goes to safety, it will be one which will present many physical difficulties. If Yahweh’s people are permitted to go there they will be “cave dwellers” for three and one-half years!
We have become used to soft living. We have become used to warm, dry beds, hot and cold running water, central heating or even indoor toilets. There are no refrigerators, IPODS or Internet connections or the many other multitudes of gadgets and appliances that are found in the modern American household. Sela is not like this.
From a physical point of view this is not going to be the wonderful place that many people have erroneously pictured. If you are looking forward to this event as a goal INSTEAD OF LOOKING FOR THE RETURN OF YAHSHUA MESSIAH, you have the wrong goal!
But it is not all bad. There will be difficult problems, but by Yahweh’s Spirit they can be overcome. From a spiritual point of view this is going to be the climax and high point of the physical lives of those to whom Yahweh offers this divine protection. This is going to be almost a continuous “Feast of Sukkot.”
In addition to supernaturally protecting and guiding His people to the place of safety, Yahweh is going to “nourish” (Rev 12:14) His people. This nourishment certainly is both spiritual and physical. This will be a time when Yahweh’s people will have opportunity to be shut away from the world, to learn many new things about Yahweh’s ways and His commands. It will be a time to grow spiritually. It will be a time of wonderful fellowship with Yahweh’s own true remnant. And the best part is that Scripture says Yahshua Himself will be teaching the 144,000 of the first of the firstfruits at the wilderness place that Yahweh has chosen.
Ezek 20:34 And I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands in which you are scattered among them with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out.
Ezek 20:35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and I will be judging with you there face to face.
Ezek 20:36 Just as I was judging your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will be judging you, declares Adonai YAHWEH.
Ezek 20:37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
Ezek 20:38 And I will purge from among you the rebels and the transgressors against Me. I will bring them out of the land where they reside, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am YAHWEH.
Yes, Yahshua Yahweh Himself will be there in the place that Yahweh has selected just as He was with the Israelites when they left Egypt, but if we don’t prepare for this time now we will not be one of those selected to be at this most special place of protection as we will have to go through tribulation and rid ourselves of the things that we have not rid ourselves of now.
The Lesson You Must Learn Now
But, there are important lessons that we must learn now. “But beware in yourselves that your hearts never become heavy by extravagance and by drunkenness and by distress of the world, and that day should come suddenly upon you” (Luke 21:34).
Many of you are over-concerned with the “convenient living” of our day. You have become overly concerned about the cares of this life, and have not put the Kingdom of Yahweh, and the work that Yahweh has given us to do, first in your life. For such people the following warning is sounded: “as a snare, for it will come in on all those sitting on the face of all the earth” (verse 35).
“Then be watchful at every time, begging that you be counted worthy to escape all these things, the things being about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).
Notice these things. The command is to watch and pray always! Our prayers should be in accord with the instructions that Yahshua Messiah gave in Mat 6:9-13. With these instructions Yahshua Messiah gives us many things to pray about, in addition to praying that we might be protected from the trials and temptations that are ahead. If we pray faithfully and with our whole heart in this manner, then we shall be accounted worthy to escape. Some have had the erroneous idea that they should be praying only to escape.
This scripture does not say to pray to escape only, but that because we pray daily for Yahweh’s Kingdom and His people, that we can escape all of the things mentioned in this chapter and stand before the Son of Man.
That is the important point that many people have overlooked. Many are looking forward to escape. They are not looking forward to the return of Yahshua Messiah.For those who are not protected a remarkable and detailed prophecy is found in Deuteronomy 28, concerning the terrible siege and captivity that follows the escape of the Congregation.
“Because you did not serve Yahweh your Elohim with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things, and you shall serve your enemies whom Yahweh shall send on you, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in lack of all things. And He shall put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you” (Deut 28:47-48).
Here is one reason why some of Yahweh’s called and chosen people will not go to safety. They are not serving Yahweh with joyfulness and gladness of heart. Yahweh has given us abundance and blessing such as the rest of the world has not had. Do we appreciate these things? Some of us do not! Instead of being appreciative, instead of being thankful and giving praise to Yahweh for this great abundance, we gripe and complain because others have more, or because we do not have what we would like to have, or what we think we should have. This lack of appreciation for the wonderful spiritual and physical blessings of Yahweh will bar some from going to safety.
Our trials and temptations are small now. They are going to increase as Satan becomes more angry with Yahweh’s Congregation. We must use the time well that Yahweh has given us to grow spiritually and to overcome the trials that lie ahead. The wonderful physical blessings that Yahweh has given us now are going to be taken away in a few years. Let’s appreciate these blessings now, giving Yahweh thanks continually for supplying them for us. Yahweh wants us to enjoy these things to the full.
We must learn to pray daily, without intermission and with faith and fervency, believing Yahweh totally and completely. We must learn to overcome our own faults, to overcome Satan and the world about us. But one final warning.
In 1st Cor 10:1-13 we are told by the apostle Paul that all the things that happened to the children of Israel in ancient times were written down for our instruction and learning today. Are we learning these lessons? Or, are we right now making the same mistakes that they made? We must learn these lessons or else we will never escape the things that are coming on this earth.
There are many messages online about the wilderness that we should be listening to many times and growing in the grace and knowledge of Yahshua Messiah to learn these lessons. Brethren, Yahweh is going to provide a way of escape for His people.
It is going to be a hard, rutty and difficult way. But, it will be a way of joy. Will you be among those who will be protected and stand before Yahshua Messiah at His coming?
Or will you be among the large crowd that is left behind in whom many will not have the strength to make it through the coming tribulation and could lose their eternal life?
Luk 13:23 And a man asked Him, Master, are the ones being saved few? But Yahshua said to them,
Luk 13:24 Labor to enter in through the narrow gate, for I say to you that many will seek to enter in and will not have strength.
Luk 13:25 From the hour that the Master of the house rises and secures the door, then they will stand outside and knock on the door and begin to say, Our Master! Our Master! Open to us!
And He will answer and He will say,
I say to you that I do not know you from where you are.