One of our brothers asks these timely and interesting questions in a comment under the article on the state of the Church during the great tribulation: And how will all the saved people – millions of people around the world – take refuge in desert places? Firstly, this much space is needed, then how will all believers understand where to go and how they will not be noticed by the Antichrist and his kingdom?
Let’s start with the question, how?
How do Christians all over the planet know that it is time to leave, and where exactly to go? Revelation 11 tells of one of two signs that the great tribulation is beginning. Two prophets appear in Jerusalem, who will prophesy for almost the entire period of the reign of the beast (1260 days).
Their prophecy will be broadcast throughout the earth (Rev. 11:9,10). Perhaps through these prophets the Lord will indicate when and where the Church should go. The Church will have up to 17 days to exit. Perhaps for this period there will be some kind of interstate programs to pay for flights, travel for everyone. This is a guess, but it’s possible. Then this path will be closed.
How does the Antichrist notice and not notice.? Not like the Antichrist, the dragon itself will chase after the Church when She leaves. open 12:13-16 Apparently God will set limits for the dragon that he will not be able to cross.
How will millions of rescued people from all over the world fit in desert places?
First, let us emphasize: what is impossible for God? If we open a Google map, then we can pay attention to any metropolis, for example, Shanghai with its 24 million population and compare how many other wastelands are there in Africa or in Asia?
We do not know exactly how and where such a number of believers will be located, but we know that God will take care of that place and where the desert was, rivers will flow! Not alone, but rivers! (Isaiah 43:18 – 21) Jackals and ostriches live there. (maybe this is a hint and who is strong in geography, write in the comments where such a place is – where are jackals and ostriches?)
For reasoning, we can add that not everyone will follow the call of the Lord. A lot of people will stay. Some, out of confidence that there will be a rapture before the great tribulation, will not believe the call. Some, for some technical reasons or out of solidarity with loved ones, who definitely do not want to go.
Are there any reasons? But we know for sure that a huge number of martyrs will come from the great tribulation. (Rev. 6:9-11, Rev. 7:9 – 14, Rev. 20:4,5)
If in short.
