Let’s turn our attention to the book of Luke 21:29–31.
He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Matthew Henry, in his commentary about this subject, brings something interesting to our attention. He says, “As in the kingdom of nature there is a chain of causes, so in the kingdom of providence there is a consequence of one event on another. When we see the ruin of persecuting powers hastening on, we may infer from this that the kingdom of God is near.” In our lives, one thing often leads to another. As we well know, a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tornado. The things we see happening around us are a sign of something even bigger.
The Bible often addresses our need for readiness and preparation, warning us not to be caught unaware. Just as John the Baptist proclaimed repentance in preparation before the first coming of Jesus, we too should be reminded of his words regarding His second advent: The Bible tells us that ‘In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matt 3:1-2 (NIV)’
Peter also advises us in the following way: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)”
As we prepare for the Second Coming, it’s important to know the signs of the times. Millions of people today are anxious because of all these strange things happening to our planet. Is something beyond human control about to happen? If not, how can we explain so many natural disasters and so much suffering and despair? How can we make sense of the scores of floods, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, and hurricanes? How about the wickedness and perverseness of our generation? Well, the Bible already predicted all these things. They will happen before Jesus’ second return. He said, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know it is near, right at the door. (Matthew 24:32–33, NIV) What is it that’s nearby?
Let’s turn to the book of Matthew 24:3. “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” They said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus had hinted to the disciples what would happen about 30 years later, from when He had spoken this to them. That was to be the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.
Most of what is recorded in the Book of Matthew 24 refers to what would happen just before the destruction of the temple. These will surely come to pass. Jesus had a message for us today as well, because He also announced what would take place at the end of the world. Just as the signs that predicted the destruction of Jerusalem came to pass, we are to be assured that the signs of the return of Christ presented in the Bible are a faithful description of what is happening today, and we can see their fulfillment.
Friends, the world is coming to an end. The Word of God is sure about that, and we’ve seen the signs fulfilled before our very own eyes. However terrifying these can be, Christ has promised to always be by our side. He calls on us to trust Him as He leads us home. We are called to be ready to receive Him when He comes. Oswald Chambers writes, “It is easy for us to imagine that we will suddenly come to a point in our lives where we are fully prepared, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished. It is a process that must be steadily maintained. It is dangerous to become settled and complacent with our present level of experience. The Christian life requires preparation and more preparation.”
Prepare for the soon return of our Savior. He is coming back soon. Get involved. Strive to know Him and make Him known.
