Scriptural Reading: Matthew 24:1-31
“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?'”—Matthew 24:3
Learning to tell time is a sign of a child’s developmental growth and maturity. Even greater maturity is found in not only being able to tell time, but knowing how to react once you’ve learned what time it is.
Matthew 24 records Jesus’ discourse on the signs of the tribulation period and His second coming. It’s a sobering segment of scripture that foretells the events associated with the end of the age: War, rumors of war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, hatred, lawlessness, and more. Sound familiar?
These words of prophecy, coupled with the events of life today can be sobering, even depressing for some. Yet, if we live in the security of our salvation, the end of the age is not a season to fear, dread or hold in apprehension. Instead, it’s the season for hopeful expectation as we prepare to transition from the cares, troubles and challenges of this life to an eternity that surpasses our greatest imaginations and desires.
While Jesus warned no one knows the time of His return, we can see the signs of its imminence. Recognizing the time is indeed drawing nearer, how should we respond? Are we living in preparation for eternity? Or, are we fixated on the here and now? Are we living in a way to guide others to Christ? Have we personally pondered the only issue that really matters in this life—where we will spend eternity?
If you’ve ever judged time by a malfunctioning clock, you know that sinking feeling when you realize it’s later than you think. Imagine the horrid feeling of thinking you have plenty time before the end of the age, only to learn you didn’t do a good job of telling time.
The Kingdom is coming! Are you ready?
Lesson to Remember: If we are confident in our salvation, the end of age isn’t a thing to dread but a time for the anticipation of the coming joy.
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”—Luke 21:28
