Focal passage: Matthew 24:3-8, 29-32, 42-44
Currently, in my North Carolina town, pollen has blanketed every outside surface. Everyone drove a yellow car to work this morning. Pollen clouds breezed through the air like some sort of southeastern tumbleweeds. After living here for a few years, I am not surprised by it anymore. I do, however, make sure to take my allergy medication every day. The pollen clouds will soon dissipate as Spring begins to settle in. They were only a sign of its coming.
Jesus told His disciples to look for signs as well. He emphasized the importance of His followers being aware of the events that would signal His coming. Just as changes in our bodies signal hunger and thirst, so the earth will exhibit signs of Christ’s coming. Jesus has not left us in the dark about His return. He wants us to be aware and prepared.
Jesus’ return will be a public event. He will return visibly and physically. We will see Him with our own eyes. When people see Jesus, they will either mourn or rejoice. Those who are in Christ will be gathered to Him for eternity. Those who are not in Christ will mourn when they see the truth of His power and glory. Jesus’ return is inevitable and it will be unmistakable.
Although we do not know the exact day or time of Christ’s return, we should be prepared. We should be actively seeking to obey Christ’s commands as we wait for Him. We should be busy in the work of the Kingdom and making disciples. We can be comforted because we know that Jesus will return for us. This hope helps us to faithfully endure as we wait. We do not know when Jesus will return, but we expect Him. We look for the signs and we prepare ourselves to see Him face to face.