Events of second coming
Key Verses: 2, 8, 12-13, 14, 19, 27, 37, 44
Have you ever had to deliver bad news, really bad news? I have, and it is no fun. Jesus tells his disciples that the center of their geopolitical world is going to be destroyed. As Jewish men, their lives were connected to Jerusalem. They were required to travel there regularly in order to fulfill their religious duties.
But the disciples want to know more. They want to know when Jesus is going to lead the revolt that will reestablish David’s kingdom in Jerusalem. All the turmoil, Jesus says, is just the beginning of a process that will end in joy, but it will be painful along the way. The most vulnerable will have it the hardest. It will be worse than any natural disaster you can imagine.
And in the middle of the disaster false prophets will arise and deception will happen. Christ’s return will be fully visible. The second coming will be openly displayed. Just as you can see vultures circling in the sky, so Jesus’ return will be visible. It will cause billions of people to mourn. They will realize their rejection of Christ.
There are signs that will indicate Christ’s return in near. Those of us who are Jesus-followers are watching for those signs, and therefore will not be taken by surprise when He returns. Have you ever heard about a surprise party for you before it happened? Were you really surprised when the moment arrived? Of course not, you knew it was coming. When the door opened, you know there were people there getting ready to yell, “Surprise!” Because we know it is coming, and we are watching, Jesus’ return will not take us by surprise. But most people will be just going on with life as usual. They are not paying any attention to the signs. They are caught up in the busyness of life.
We need to be awake and aware of what is happening in our world so that we can see the signs. We have a duty to be the wise servant, awake and ready, doing the right thing at the right time. We may not know the day or hour, but if we are watching and waiting, we will not be surprised when He returns. We will be doing the things He has called us to do. We will remain faithful to Him.
The Arnold Journey 