SRT Book #4 - Kingdom Come (Left Behind #13)

I admit it. I started the Left Behind series reluctantly. My girlfriend since childhood recommended the first one several years ago. We come from different faith backgrounds so I hesitated. I struggled through the first half of the first book bored to tears but then something grabbed me. I spent the rest of that summer devouring all the others published up to that point and have waited impatiently for each release since then. So, yes, I'm a Left Behind convert! LOL

Anyway, I noticed while perusing somewhere online in February and saw that #13, Kingdom Come, was being released in March. So, I emailed one of my trusty local library staff and asked (1) IF they were getting it and (2) if so, could I be put on the hold list? They were a little confused. They didn't even realize it was coming out then. But, they would gladly list me as first to get it. So, 2 weeks ago, I got the brand spankin' new copy in my hot little hands! And, I finished it last night since it was due today to some other lucky reader! *wink*

Anyway, still enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite. Hard to create conflict initially after Jesus' Second Coming when all non-believers are dismissed from the earth! What's there to disagree about? LOL After taking several (and I mean several) chapters to get the reader caught up with all the characters, what Heaven was like for those that had been raptured and martyred, and what everyone's first impressions of Jesus' initial reign of the Millennium, FINALLY a conflict arose which played out quickly to the end. This book technically covers that 1,000 years. However, it is in 3 different settings: immediately after the Second Coming, a hundred years later (the majority of the book), and then finally at the end of the Millennium.

Now, to be honest, I am woefully deficient in my end times knowledge. And, at least for now, I'm having faith that the authors (especially Mr. LaHaye with all his training, knowledge, and study) are following the Scriptures closely. And, I'm obviously aware that this is all a fictional portrayal. That being said...I found this book awakening my awareness of some seriously wishy-washy things in my spirit. LaHaye's depiction of these characters' faith, devotion, and belief in Christ was convicting. And, one thought has been running over and over in my head for several days...

"If I can't defend Him, why would He defend me?"

I claim Him as Lord but do I "put my money where my mouth is"? How does my proverbial rubber hit the road? If for some reason I am NOT raptured, would I be able to repent, get right, and face all that these characters have faced with the faith they've demonstrated? Hmmm...

So, I've found myself more conscious on a daily basis about my faith walk and witnessing. I've never led someone to Christ but what an amazing thing if I could! I find myself becoming defensive when (once again) a friend and fellow believer is told to "ease off" or change something about what she is doing because she is offending a non-believer in our MOMS group. If the group is *really* trying to be inclusive of everyone's beliefs, why do we have to change ours? And, if she (and by association "we") agree to change, are we denying Christ?

"If I can't defend Him, why would He defend me?"

OK, so this isn't much a review...more of a reflection. But, despite some narrative weaknesses, this book made me *really* think. And, I believe that justifies me encouraging others to read it!

Head over to Katrina's to see what others are reading and what they have to say about it!