IS JESUS’ RETURN IMMINENT?
As we look around the world and see the world’s events transpiring we have to ask ourselves, ‘is the return of Jesus imminent?” Well, there are definite signs abounding. Jesus said, “watch therefore for you know not what hour your Lord comes.” Matthew 24:42
Many are looking at the current events around the world such as; the rise of false prophets and their false teachings, people turning from good Godly morals, wars and national conflicts, commercialism of sacred days, earthquakes, other earthly disasters, more and more Christians abandoning their faith, love of many believers growing cold, churches turning to performances and convenient spiritually, famines and of course, the surge in anti-Semitism toward Jewish people. There are many other signs as outlined in the Book of Revelation.
So, are these signs clear markers for us to say the return of the Lord Jesus is imminent? Well, let’s investigate the word. Jesus said we would not know the day or the hour. However, He says we are to observe the season. I would say that God is ushering a season of awareness preparing the way for the second arrival of His son. As many things in Matthew 24 pertained to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, I believe we can learn a few lessons from the events transpiring today.
First, Matthew 24 and 25 emphatically underscores, WE ARE TO BE PREPARED. No matter what world events take place or the severity of those events we are to be ready for His return. Matthew 25 talks about the 10 virgins. Five were foolish, there were not ready for the bridegroom . But five were wise they were prepared for the bridegrooms unexpected arrival. The church’s bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ, is awaiting the signal from God the Father to go get His bride, the church, His bride for whom He bled and died.
Secondly, do take note of the signs of the times. We are definitely in a season of unrest where the earths activities are out of balance and major natural disasters are taking place. Not only earthy disasters but also major diseases and illnesses around the world. Another major sign, I believe is the eradication of Christian believers and Christian thought. Christian persecution around the globe is increasing and even so here in America. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “this know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boaster, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of this that are good, traitors, heady high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.”
Thirdly, Paul states in 2 Thessalonians 2 that we should not be deceived, there WILL BE A FALLING AWAY first. However, Paul gives another clear sign of the end. In verse 3 he states that the “man of sin, the son of perdition” must be revealed. This one “will oppose all and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God showing himself that he is God.”
So my friends, whether He comes in the next minute, the next hour or the next millennium we are to stay focused faithfully obedience to the King of kings and lord of lords. There WILL BE TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN THE LAST DAYS. But remember what Paul says, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall all be changed.” I Corinthians 15:52
So, I leave you with the words of Jesus, “WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YOU KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR YOUR LORD COMES” Matthew 24:42
Whether today, next week, next month or next millennium. So my friends, whether He comes in the next minute, the next hour or the next millennium we are to stay focused faithfully obedience to the King of kings and lord of lords. For Paul says, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall all be changed.” I Corinthians 15:52
SO, BE READY! PERHAPS TODAY!
Leonard Navarre
Lubbock, Texas
