The Coming of the Son of Man
“What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Mt. 24:3)
Greetings Redeemed of the Lord!
(Take a moment and read through Matthew 24)
Is that not a question many are asking these days, “Jesus…when are you coming back”? Is that not the longing of every true believer and follower of Jesus? OK! It’s been over 2000 years; enough is enough! Please come back! Well, we know one thing for sure: no one can predict His coming nor has anyone really figured out the series of events leading up to it. Anyone who says they have figured it out might be a little deceived, for the word of God says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matt. 24:36; 25:13). If Jesus really wanted us to know, He would have made it plain. We know this for sure: the Kingdom of God has come, and the King is returning to claim it (Acts 1:7-11). The question really is, how are we to live till He returns? (Answered in Matt. 24:45 - 25:46) The best we can do is look for the signs. Matthew 24:4-28 most probably deals with the first part of the disciples’ question in verse 3, “when will these things be” referring to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, Jesus described in verse 2. Verses 27 to 44 refer to the “Second Coming” of Jesus, for the term appears multiple times in this section. Here is what we do know:
- His coming will be sudden and unexpected, but everyone will see it – just like lightning (24:27)
- It is as certain as vultures hovering over a carcass (24:28)
- It comes after a time of great worldwide tribulation, which includes catastrophic occurrences in the heavens {darkened sun and moon, falling stars, shaking heavens Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-17)
- His coming in the sky with power and great glory will cause weeping for the whole earth (vs. 30) for the King of Kings will come to a world that had rejected Him, and now must face the consequences of not embracing the only God and Savior. It is a time of judgment!
- At His return, a great trumpet will blow and the saints, the elect of God, those who had put their trust in Him, will be gathered from the four corners of the earth. (Sure sounds like the rapture to me…. which happens at His Second Coming???)
- It will be the angels who are sent forth to bring in the harvest of souls (Matt. 13:37-43; Matt. 16:27; Matt. 24:31; Matt. 25:31)
- His Second Coming will be swift and unexpected but not without warning, even as in the days of Noah and the flood (Matt. 24:37-39)
- But like Noah, we are to run to the Ark of our salvation even Jesus – be alert and be ready to meet your God (Matt. 24:42-44; 25:13)
We are to be faithfully serving our Master till He returns, doing what we were assigned to do (Matt. 24:45-51) and remain filled with the oil of Holy Spirit (25:1-13). The Second Coming of Jesus ought not to be a time of fear if you be found in Christ, serving Him faithfully. Let us be excited for the return of the Lord is near! Hymn writers/poets seem to capture it best. Here’s an example:
Behold the Lord is coming, His ransomed home to call,
And we who watch shall see Him, And crown Him Lord of all;
Believer, are you ready? And are your garments white?
Behold, He quickly cometh!Yes, He may come tonight.
Behold the Lord is coming, He’s coming very soon.
At such an hour we think not, At morning, night or noon;
Believers, are you ready To meet this glorious sight?
Behold, He quickly cometh! Yes, He may come tonight.
Behold the Lord is coming,The time is drawing near,
When crowns and thrones shall perish, When kingdoms fade and fear;
But we with songs rejoicing Shall take with Him our flight,
Behold, He quickly cometh! Yes, He may come tonight.
Behold the Lord is coming, He’s coming for His bride;
He bids the Church be ready And in Him to abide;
Be not like virgins foolish, Who had no oil nor light;
Behold, He quickly cometh! Yes, He may come tonight.
(Peter. P. Bilhorn 1911)
Have a great week!!!
"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."
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