(Mat 16:3) . . . You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis. Viruses, plagues, epidemics. Wars, hatred, destruction. Moral chaos, personal rights, internal fights. Are these the last days? Are these the signs of the times?
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus instructed His disciples in that great Olivet Discourse about the last days (Mat 24). They had asked Him about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus then predicted that there would be certain signs of His coming such as false prophets deceiving people. There would be wars and rumors of wars. There would be pestilences and earthquakes in various places. But all these would be the beginning of sorrows. Lawlessness would abound and the love of many would grow cold. God’s people would be persecuted. There would be the need for endurance in tough times. The gospel would be preached to all nations and then the end would come. The Lord would come so obviously and brilliantly as the lightning flashes in the sky. That we should be ready for His coming and be faithful in our service.
The apostle Paul said there would be signs of the times. (2 Tim 3:1-5) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
But remember that in the midst of all this turmoil we have the hope of the soon coming of Christ in the Rapture! (1 Thes 4:16-18). This is our hope (Tit 2:13). Yes, it’s bad now but for the believer in Christ it’s only going to get better. Let’s not be down about what we hear about in the news. Jesus is coming! Maranatha!! (Luke 21:28) "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
And remember this exhortation: (2 Pet 3:9) The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This is why the Lord is delaying His coming. Let’s pray the world will see the signs of the times and repent. And let the Church be ready and waiting for the Bridegroom to come (Mat 25:1-13). May our lamps be burning and our hearts yearning. And may sinners be turning to the only hope for this world in need!
Louie
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