Jesus reveals the signs of the end times.
What are we supposed to be looking for? What are the signs of the end times? Are we ready? What if we miss the signs? Tune in to hear what Jesus says and how it applies to your life today.
Let’s begin in Matthew 24:3-14
Signs of the End of the Age
Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”
Jesus told them,
– “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.
– And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic.
Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. – Nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
– There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.
But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
– “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed.
– You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.
– And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.
– And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.
– Sin will be rampant everywhere, and
– the love of many will grow cold.
***But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
– And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and
– then the end will come.
You can literally check off the list as these things happen.
In verse 3, when Jesus went up to the Mt of Olives where it looked out over the city directly at the temple. He was fulfilling Ezekiel 11:23, that verse says He would do this. Jesus intentionally evades the direct question and gives them general signs to look out for.
Why does he not answer his disciples directly? It is stated many times in the Bible and also in this chapter in verse 36: He says, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.
Only the Father knows.
Want to know the easiest way to know when He isn’t coming? When someone tells you the date and day of His return.
In Revelation 3:3, scripture states he will come like a thief in the night. As for the signs he speaks of in these verses, the disciples thought they were for their time. Every generation has looked for them in their lifetime. In the past though, there were so many missing signs in each generation. There has never been a time until now that each sign could potentially be fulfilled as Jesus prophesied. Even then we don’t know the exact time.
So, what’s most important here? Not when He is returning, but to be ready at any given moment.
Are you prepared to trust Him through the tribulation? Maybe you were taught that Christians would be raptured before the tribulation. Study your Bible, that’s simply not in His Word. Repent and draw near to Him and allow Him to prepare you to trust Him through what is to come.
Are you one of those who serves on Sunday and checks off the box that you did your “God-duty” for the week, then go back to your life doing what you do without Him? Convinced that you are a good person and that’s all God cares about?
Have you decided that you are you doing what you want with your life and waiting until the last minute to repent and follow Him? Or maybe you do not believe He is returning at all? For all those who aren’t prepared for the tribulation or His return, let’s talk about why you want to rethink your plan.
Let’s dig a little deeper…
There are many signs that the end times are near, and Jesus warned us about them so that we would be prepared. As believers, we need to be alert and watchful, especially as we see more and more of these signs being fulfilled. The GREAT NEWS as a believer is we can look forward to the end times and the returning of Jesus our Messiah; we don’t even have to fear the tribulation! He said He cares for those that are His. We can take comfort in knowing that He protects us. In the meantime, let us continue in faithfulness and obedience, knowing that our rewards will be great in the eternal kingdom to come.
For those who are not ready to stop having “fun” and living life on their own terms are playing a dangerous game if they are “waiting until later” to invite Jesus into their hearts. We’ve already read that His Word says He will come like a thief in the night. When He comes back and you aren’t ready and beg for him to let you in, He says in Matthew 7, “go away, depart from me, I never knew you. No take-backs. No pleading. You were warned!
Jesus our Messiah will return to earth
The second coming of Jesus our Messiah is a source of great hope and encouragement for the people of God. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus will come again, and it serves to remind us that He will establish justice and righteousness in this world. We should put our total trust in Him, knowing that He is faithful to His promises. He will bring an end to suffering, pain and evil upon His glorious return. Until then, let us remain steadfast in our faith and convictions, living according to His commands so that we may be found blameless in His sight when He comes again. Stay in His Word! If you are not in it, get in the Word. Begin in Genesis and study straight through to Revelation. If you need help getting started, grab the journals that God and I created to help you through the first five books of the Bible. Studying them will change your life.
Fall to your knees and humble yourself before Him and repent. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you. Pray that He will prepare you for what is to come. Allow Him to transform your heart and mind. Be willing to leave everything for Him. Some things He wants out of your life, others He will let you keep, He just wants to test you to see if you are willing to give it up for Him. There is NOTHING on this earth, including family, that is more important than your relationship with Him!
You might say, how could I give my kids to Him and walk away from them? Let me tell you from someone who has been there and done that. When He asks you, and you are willing, and you leave everything behind, He will bless you abundantly for your obedience. He loves your kids more than you do. He has them in His hands. Trust Him to care for them, and put your focus on Him only. Your kids can not get you to Heaven. That’s between you and God, so get your focus aligned on what He tells you to do to be ready.
The dead will be raised to life
On this earth, death can leave us feeling helpless. We grieve over the loss of our loved one’s physical presence; we cannot bring them back. But in Jesus, His word gives us consolation and hope even through death. For He will come again, and with Him comes the triumphant resurrection of all that was lost here. Both those who sleep in Jesus and all of God’s children will be raised from death to life, freed from grief and sorrow, living forever in the presence of the YHWH God. Remember to keep faith during times of suffering for when He returns as promised all things that have been said about Him will be fulfilled: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” He has purpose for our lives today and it does NOT include sitting in a puddle of grief. Your loved one is with Him; let them go. Jesus needs us focusing on allowing Him to use us to spread the Good News to His lost sheep, just like He told Peter, “feed my sheep,” so must we.
Judgment will be passed on all people
Believers know that judgment will come to all people, as the Bible teaches us in Romans 14:12. Even though judgment is coming for every person that walks the earth, we can have hope and encouragement when remembering who holds ultimate power and authority over us – God Almighty! “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” Romans 2. In the meantime, let’s do our best to abide by His commandments so that when it’s time to receive His judgment we can stand with confidence knowing our faithfulness before Him.
Heaven and earth will be destroyed
Being reminded that heaven and earth will one day be destroyed can often bring uneasiness and fear. But believers can find hope and peace in scripture, which tells us not to be anxious about tomorrow or the future but instead to trust in Jesus and His eternal Kingdom. In 2 Peter 3:13 we are told: “according to his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.” Though the world around us may seem uncertain and quite scary, God’s promises are true, and He always fulfills them. We can come before Him in prayer knowing He is faithful and loves those who are His for all eternity.
A new heaven and a new earth will be created
The Bible promises us a glorious future, where we will experience a new heaven and a new earth. In this time of renewal, all sorrows will be no more and pain will cease. All those who have been burdened by sin or difficulties in life can look forward to being redeemed and blessed beyond measure. Keep up the good fight, keep running the race, keep clinging to His hand, this story has a perfect ending! In His infinite love, God has promised joy everlasting for His people; a time when every tear is wiped away and our ransomed souls rejoice with peace everlasting. Be encouraged today, beloved; for our YHWH God will fulfill His every promise!
As believers, we have the hope of eternity in heaven with God. This gives us strength to endure through tough times on earth. Jesus our Messiah is coming back and will make all things right. In the meantime, we should take care of our mental health by trusting God in all circumstances, turning back to Him if we’ve strayed away, repent when needed, study the Bible from cover to cover, and spread His love to others. Get your heart prepared, then help others find that same hope. When you get to Heaven you want Him to say, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25.
Now, let’s recap and make sure you are ready for His return.
What does it mean to be ready?
- To know the whole Word of God and to know Jesus and the Father personally.
- To surrender your life to Jesus
- To turn from sin
- Invite Him into your Heart
- Follow all of His commands
- Spread His Love
We are praying for you.
Tune in next time as we learn what Jesus means by the abomination of desolation.
God bless you