Encounter 1: A Unified Sunday Morning
By: Tonya McMillian
The church is full today. It is as if we all are expecting a special
visitation from the Holy Spirit in our lives. Everyone is praying, praising, singing, dancing, and rejoicing in the Lord, “Hallelujah!” Ironically, the sermon is titled “The Soon Coming of the Lord.” As we all
read in unison, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, “But I would not have you to
be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. …,” our bodies begin to
transfigure into beings of light. At verse sixteen, we can look through
the roof of the church as the Lord descends. We all hear our own
names called in His One shout. As we continue to read, we see those,
who have gone before us in death, rise first. Then, we are changed and
snatched away as well. We join the LORD Jesus Christ in the air, and
we will remain with Him forever. It is a Sunday morning Harpázō.
Five Separate Encounters of The Harpázō
Encounter 2: An Extraordinary Day at School
By: Tonya McMillian
Peace Bea Steele attends a Catholic high school. Today in Spanish class, Jeanne, who often reliess on her help. Peace does not shield her paper from her. Spanish comes naturally to Peace. Her teacher once asked if she naturally speaks Spanish. She does not speak it; she is just gifted. They are seated in front of the window. The sun is really bright and hot. The teacher walks over to pull the blinds. She is distracted at
the appearance of Peace. Jeanne is stunned and looking at Peace with her mouth open. All the classmates star in disbelief. They can see straight through her and notice her clothing in the chair. Straightaway, Peace is lifted above her seat and transcends through the window. In the blink of an eye, Peace vanishes. She flies across the sky faster than lightning. The teacher and all of the girls look out the window in astonishment. But there is no evidence of what just happened. They question each other if this is the Harpázō.
Five Separate Encounters of The Harpázō
Encounter 3: An Unexpected Birthday Surprise
By: Tonya McMillian
Connie, Cári, Bélla, and Josué are enjoying Anne’s birthday celebration. These four are gathered together in songs of praise and testimonials. They are the outcasts of the party because of their constant demonstrations of worship to the LORD. They normally are, but they find comfort in each other’s company at these events. It is a beautiful day in Chicago. The sun is exceptionally bright and shining today. They are remembering the goodness of God in their individual lives. At the same time, they all immediately look up. Their eyes are fixed on the sun. They are smiling and look so peaceful. Their bodies appear as a collection of sparkling particles as if their natural bodies are disintegrating and metamorphosing at the same time. Their clothing lies on the ground beside them. These fragments are reassembled together in the form of translucent light figures. They are instantly snatched up towards the sun. All those at the party stand in amazement. Anne stands in disbelief that the Harpázō is real.
Five Separate Encounters of The Harpázō
Encounter 4: A Spectacular Scenic Drive
By: Tonya McMillian
Mack and Toya are traveling north through the Cascade mountains in Washington state, taking in the scenery. They have been married for thirty years. They love the Pacific Northwest. They always find it so peaceful and quite heavenly. They love taking outings together. Mack’s playlist of worship music invites Toya to sing along. This morning as they drive, the sky is particularly blue and enchanting. Toya always dreams of the LORD’s appearance during their drives. She is entranced while gazing at the sun rays. She notices how close the clouds are descending upon them.
“It is so beautiful,” she exclaims. Toya is unaware of what is actually happening. Mack pulls to the shoulder and parks.
“Toya” he calls. “Do you hear that?”
She does not hear it. She is being lulled into a trance by the billowy clouds.
Suddenly, she hears the loud horn.
Mack shouts, “Now, can you hear the shofar blowing?”
She stutters in disbelief, initially, “W-w-w-what, is that the sound of the
trumpet?”
They do not have time to react differently. Their bodies begin to transfigure. They lose their natural form. As this change occurs, they are lifted up and out of the car through the roof. Their clothing is still in the car. Once they are above the car, their transparent forms are completed. They soar faster than the speed of light towards the sun rays that envelop them. This day started just like any other morning, but it ends with the Harpázō.
Five Separate Encounters of The Harpázō
Encounter 5: An Unusual Workday
By: Tonya McMillian
Danielle wakes up extra early today, extremely excited to go to work. She is not quite sure why, but her spirit is expecting something good to happen. It is as if she is finally going to get that promotion she
has been praying about. She could really use some good news today. Life can be challenging at times, but she knows deep within her being that her God is Faithful. He never fails. He is right on time. He is not a man that He should lie. His Word is True. And His Promises are always performed. These are statements she often reaffirms to herself throughout the day. As soon as she approaches the building, the reflection of the sun against the glass exterior walls blinds her so much that she turns away from them. She hears the shofar trumpet blow. “Wow! This is the most beautiful day ever!” She falls to her knees. She raises her hands towards the heavens. She surrenders her life by saying, “All mine is thine, LORD!” She feels a tingling, almost tickling, sensation all over her body. Her clothes drop to the ground instantly, and she is not ashamed, nor is her nakedness revealed. She feels as if tears are flowing, not just from her eyes, but out of every pore. She is being washed in the Love of the LORD. She hears the LORD shout her name. She responds, “Yes, LORD!” She sees lights soaring up to the heavens, as if from out of the ground and all around as far as her eyes can capture. All at once, she is lifted up and flying at jet speed towards the LORD who waits with His arms outstretched to receive His children. She receives the greatest of all promotions by being in the Harpázō.