The entire chapter of Matthew 24 is centered around the signs of the last days. What are the
last days, you may ask? This is the period of time before the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also known as the end times. There are many signs of the last days Jesus talks about in Matthew 24, and they’re similar to what we’re already experiencing in the world today.
There has been news of wars, unprecedented natural disasters, a deadly pandemic that has swept across the entire world. World leaders are running out of ideas, and there seems to be a spirit of confusion in the air. No one really knows what’s going on.
“For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the
Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is
still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the
beginning of birth pains.”
– Matthew 24:5-8 (NIV)
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours
As Christians, the chaos isn’t new to us. The Bible warns that such days will come. By studying Matthew 24, we can gain a deeper understanding of what’s going on around us and also know what God is saying to us and what He has in store for us.
The age of grace
The Bible tells us that after the death and resurrection of Christ, the next great event is His second coming. No one knows the hour of His return, but when the time comes, all the souls of believers who have passed will rise up to meet Him. Then those who are still alive at that time will be transformed to His nature and caught up in the clouds with Him.
Those who are left behind will live under the rule of Satan and his agents until He is judged and cast into the lake of fire, along with all his followers.
But before the second coming, there will be signs that the end is near. Some of the signs that Jesus mentions are wars and rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in various places. He also talks about the persecution of God’s people, false prophets infiltrating the church, and an increase in wickedness.
If we look at the world today, it is clear that Jesus’ prophesy has come to pass. We are experiencing political and economic crises, natural disasters of record proportions, a sharp increase in the persecution of Christians all around the world, and a global pandemic that brought the world to its knees.
With each day that passes, we draw closer to Christ’s return. But right now we are still in a period of grace. We still have time to repent and keep ourselves holy for Him. God’s word says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
What God is saying
In the midst of all the chaos and turmoil, what is God saying to us? He wants us to know that He sees everything and He knows what we’re going through, but His word remains true. He’s saying to you today, “In your storms and valleys, I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you. I will
be with you till the end of time” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
God will be the fourth man in the fire to make sure it doesn’t harm you. And while He may be sleeping in your boat, you have nothing to fear. As long as He is in the boat with you the storm will not sweep you away.
Get ready for miracles like never before. “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams’” (Acts:2:17).
How should we respond?
We’re in the last hours of grace. After this time, there will be no room for repentance anymore and judgment will follow. Take advantage of God’s abundant grace today and repent of your sins. Tomorrow may be too late.
In addition, after repentance, put on the garment of humility, for “God opposes the proud but
shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). When you humble yourself He will reveal more of Himself to you. He will fill you with His Spirit and help you stand against Satan and his advocates.
In summary
Don’t be deceived, Jesus will return in the same manner He ascended into heaven two thousand years ago. He will return for His bride—the church. Will you be prepared to meet Him? Take advantage of God’s grace today and repent of your sins. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve gone. God’s love will cover you.
Believers who are connected to Jesus aren’t afraid of the last days; instead, they’re excited about it. They eagerly anticipate His return and are prepared to live with Jesus in heaven for eternity.
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