Do you like cold weather, or are you more of a warm weather person? Where I live the cold of winter has already come, and is likely to stay until some time in April. We can tell that winter is coming a number of weeks ahead of the actual calendar date by the occasional chilly mornings, the leaves changing color and falling, then frost on the ground, and birds migrating. Then winter arrives with the cold, ice, and snow. There are similar noticeable hints that spring and then summer is on the way. Springtime flowers slowly start to appear, migratory birds begin to return, and we have longer and warmer days. And finally there are leaf buds on the trees. We can tell that either spring and summer, or winter is coming by these signs. If we weren’t paying attention, then these seasons could come upon us as a surprise. There is something coming that is even more important and momentous than the coming of spring after a long, hard winter, and there will be signs of that event, too. Are you alert to the signs, or will you be caught unaware? Let’s look into our Scripture to see what this is.
During the last week of Jesus’ life here on earth, He spent the majority of His time in the vicinity of the Temple in Jerusalem teaching His disciples and all who would come to hear Him. Some of the messages that He taught were about the End Times, and what will happen at the time of His return to earth then. Jesus stated unequivocally that no one knows exactly when that day will be, but that there will be signs to indicate that the date is closely approaching, and for those alive then to not be caught unaware or unprepared.
One of the signs that will signal the impending return of the Lord Jesus was signs in the heavens and on earth (vs. 25-26). There will be things that happen to the sun, moon, and stars in the sky. What specifically happens, we are not told, but we can be sure that they will be noticeable enough that they cause fear in the hearts of many. Jesus also said that there will be signs on earth. Among them is a distress among nations. We see plenty of that going on today, with words of aggression between countries tossed back and forth, and of course outright wars, killing, and destruction between nations.
Other signs here on earth that the Lord warned about are those with the sea and waves. One thing that scientists and meteorologists have stated is that there has been an increase in hurricanes each year, along with an increase in the strength and destructive power of those hurricanes. In the last few years the U.S. has had several very destructive hurricanes, including hurricanes that brought flooding and destruction way inland, far from the ocean shores. There will be all sorts of natural disasters that will bring distress to people, along with societal upheaval, with riots, violent protests, death and destruction happening. We have seen too much of that in the last several years, too.
As we read in our Scripture Jesus’ anticipated return will be a visible, powerful event (vs. 27). He will return in bodily form, descending from the clouds with great glory. Jesus warns us that these, and other signs that He spoke of in other Scripture passages, are signs heralding His imminent return. He pointed out a fig tree, and other trees. When we see the leaf buds begin to appear and start to open, we know that the warmer weather of late spring and summer is coming (vs. 28-31). So when we see these things happen, we know Jesus’ return is coming.
Jesus’ overall message today is clear. The Son of God is Lord over all things. Just as death could not keep Him in its grip, neither can anything in this world prevent God from fulfilling His good purposes for His people. Jesus gave us a warning. Final judgment will be a reality. He will return as Judge over all. All who ever lived will either find their redemption in Jesus, or face God’s judgment.
As believers, we need to be watchful, staying alert and watching for these signs, and being ready for when Jesus does return. Despite the distressing events that will be coming, we do not need to fall into a state of panic, despair, or worry. We can take comfort in the promise of redemption, and His coming kingdom. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s plan and His timing.
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