Matthew 24:4-14, 32-33

4 Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth-pains. 9 ‘Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 32 ‘Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: as soon as its twigs become tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.

 

Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Matthew 24:33

“It’s definitely going to be visible!” Niraj had stayed awake past his bedtime, determined to catch a glimpse of the multi–planetary line-up that had been predicted on the news channel. Our skies are not usually clear enough for such a line-up to be visible, but we had gathered on our terrace at that late hour as there had been a lot of excited talk at his school and online about this astronomical occurrence. How surprised we were to actually be able to spot the planets otherwise not visible to the naked eye! It was an extraordinary sight! And one we would have missed if Niraj hadn’t been alert.

When Jesus’ disciples asked about His return, He gave them signs to watch for. Increased natural and man-made disasters (MATTHEW 24:6–7) would be the beginning “birth-pains” (V. 8). An increase in persecution and deceptive doctrines (VV. 9–11) would make it harder to “stand firm” (V. 13). Yet all the while, the gospel would spread throughout the world (V. 14).

When we witness and suffer the destructive things above, we can be tempted to think the world is out of control. But it isn’t. Jesus’ words stir our hope. When we see these things, He says, we will know that He “is near, right at the door” (V. 33). Our world’s increasing chaos doesn’t undermine the plan of Christ. In fact, it confirms that He is coming soon.

Are you noticing an increase in the signs Jesus pointed to in Matthew 24? How does His imminent return affect the way you view the chaos in the world around you?

Lord Jesus, I long for the day when You will come and bring lasting peace. Thank You that no matter how out-of-control the world appears, You have a plan that nothing can thwart.