"Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left." [Matthew 24:32-41 NASB]
For many generations, people have looked at the state of the world, and have said that signs of the end times are here. They have seen false Messiahs, persecution of Christians, wars, famines and earthquakes, and have decided that Jesus will return soon. For many generations, they have been right.
There are many who have read this passage, and are unable to reconcile the fact that Jesus has not yet returned. They ask, "what's taking Him so long?"
They devise explanations such as, "The Lord has already returned, but secretly." But Jesus said, "“For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be." [Matthew 24:27 NASB] His coming will be quick, and it will be visible for all the world to see.
I have heard some say that we are already in the Millennium. I say, have you looked around you? When Jesus rules from Jerusalem, Satan will be locked away, and the world will be at peace for a thousand years. The world has never been at peace.
Peter said, "But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." [2 Peter 3:8-10 NASB]
Look for the signs. Be aware. Remain hopeful. Don't become discouraged.
There will be wars, famines and earthquakes, but these are not the Great Tribulation. Christians will be persecuted and put to death, and will endure tribulation. But this is not the Great Tribulation.
How will you know that this is the end, that the Great Tribulation is here, and the Lord's return is about to happen? When you see all these things happen. The Antichrist will set himself on the holy place on the temple mount in Jerusalem, proclaiming himself to be god. Then there will be a Great Tribulation such as has never been seen, and soon after, Jesus will come to gather His elect before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth. This generation, that is, the generation that sees these things, will not pass away until all these things happen.
Some will say, "All I have to do is wait until I see the Antichrist, then I can get serious about God." Please don't be so foolish. When he comes, he will deceive many, including many Christian fence-sitters who haven't fully committed themselves to God. And if you aren't committed to God before the persecution starts, do you really think you will have the faith to willingly be killed rather than renounce Jesus? The weak in faith will succumb to self-preservation.
The time to commit to God is now. If you have been a half-hearted Christian, it is time to seek Him with all your heart. If you've been living with one foot in the world and one heaven, then it's time to take your foot out of the world, and seek first the kingdom of heaven.
The Lord may or may not come in my lifetime or yours. But that doesn't mean you won't be persecuted. And even if you live a blesssed life and die at an old age, will you die knowing that you have been faithful, or will you fear the face of the Lord?
As for me, I am hoping to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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