Have you ever wondered about the end times? Do you wonder what it will be like when Jesus returns? Are you confused by all that you read about His return? Do you want to know what the truth is about the end of time?
We don’t often think about the end of time nor Jesus’ return. Yet, during this time of advent, that is a future event we are to ponder. True, we are to reflect on the His birth and celebrate it. But we are to also to look forward to His return.
We are caught between Jesus birth and His return. Sometimes, it seems like a strange place to be. We reflect on the past, meaning His birth a little more than two thousand years ago, while also preparing for His return, which is unknown.
Jesus gives us a clue of what it will be like when He returns. In His discourse in Matthew 24:1-35, He speaks to several different events that will take place leading up to His return. He tells us about false prophets who will deceive many people. He speaks of people erroneously crying out the Messiah is coming. He speaks of many wars and people denying their faith. All of these things must take place before Jesus returns.
Skipping ahead to verse 36, Jesus states that no one knows when He will return, not even Him. Only the Father knows when the appointed time for Jesus to return is. If that is so, why do humans try to predict it and why do we listen to them?
There will be no mistake when He does return. In fact, all the earth will recognize it when it happens. Those of us who are His followers will be swept up with Him and those who are not will mourn. It will be a glorious day for God and for us.
Jesus tells us the current heaven and earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and new earth. We are told that God will live among His people and He will be the everlasting light to them. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to ponder during this advent season?
I pray we all reflect on the birth of Jesus. I pray we ponder His future return. I pray each one of us prepares for His unknown return each day of our lives. Reflect on Jesus’ birth. Look forward to Jesus’ return. Prepare for the future. Seek God each day.
Matthew 24:30-31 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Marty Pressey 