Strongs G3007 - Leipo

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord (ie. the tribulation period) will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 1 Thes 5:1-6

The word translated "others" in the last sentence gave Todd Hampson a small rabbit trail to follow, and I believe he found yet more proof of the pre-tribulation rapture.  He has a new article up that goes into quite a bit of depth and I found it quick interesting and encouraging.  Here is a link and a short excerpt:
http://toddhampson.com/keep_watching/

The Greek word used for the “others” (ie. Let us not be like “others” who are asleep) is loipoi (literally, “the rest/remaining”). The root word of loipoi is leipó and literally means “to leave behind.” This further supports the position of the pre-tribulation rapture. When we do a little digging we find there are 2 distinct groups. The brothers and sisters (who will not be caught by surprise by the tribulation period—because they won’t be here), and the group that is left behind and caught by surprise.

Here are the links to Loipoi and Leipo in Strongs so you can see for yourself:
https://biblehub.com/greek/3007.htm

https://biblehub.com/str/greek/3062.htm

If you study those to pages it is easy to see how such a word can support the pre-trib view.  Left Behind.  The remainder.  Abandoned.  Think about those words....   How would it feel to have them apply to you or a loved one?

For me, it's always easier to visualize something big by relating it to something smaller that I can get my arms around.  So lets do that with being left behind.

I remember once when I was pretty small I was lost in a Toy's R Us.  I was visiting my aunt in Denver and had never been to this store before obviously...probably never in a toy store like that ever.  I was around 6 years old.   I don't remember all the details but I am sure I was blown away by all the toys.  I am also sure that my aunt had told me something like "pick out anything you want (as long as it isn't too expensive).   So off I went staring up and down those long tall aisles.... distracted by the all the toys and possibilities. 

After several minutes, I suddenly realized that I didn't see my mom or aunt anymore.   I remember checking several areas of the store with no luck.   From my short vantage point the aisle seemed taller and longer than ever before.  Nobody was around and I was scared.  Panic began to set in as my thoughts and questions raced into my mind that had never been there before. 

Did they forget about me?
How will I get home? 
What should I do?
How could they leave me??

Let me pause here and tie it back to those two Greek words and some of the English words associated with them.   Left Behind.  Inferior.  Remaining.   You get a sense of shame...  like you were not good enough.  You were inferior.  Kind of like when others are invited to a party but you are not.  It is not a good feeling....  and that is just a taste of what will happen to our unsaved loved ones when we are gone.  I think some of them will totally realize the situation and commit their lives to the Lord, ready to die for him to be back with us.  Sadly, I think most others will rationalize and justify themselves and harden their hearts further, buying into whatever lie the forces of darkness spread to the world.

It is amazing to me that decades later I can still recall the feeling of when I thought I had been left behind.  To actually be left behind from the Rapture, the most amazing event in human history is nearly impossible fathom.  Conversely, to release that we are on the doorstep of such a momentous moment is almost to amazing to realize.   There should be no earthly circumstance that should shake our focus from this Blessed Hope, especially when it is so near.  The toys of this world my distract us for a while, but nothing but a hand in hand relationship with Jesus will ever fulfill us or keep us truly safe.

That day in Denver had a happy ending.  I think I found a worker and told them I couldn't find my mommy.  They brought me to the front and made an announcement.  Moments later my mother and aunt came running up to me with a relieved look on their faces.  Thankfully they had not left me behind that day, and I am so thankful that because of Jesus I don't have to worry about being left behind in the future either.  One day our names will be announced in His glorious presence, and from that point forward we will have nothing to fear ever again!

Abba Up!