This heavy chapter is a prophesy from Jesus describing end times and His second coming, with the conclusion that we are to be prepared because nobody knows the appointed hour of His return (not even Him).
” ‘Immediately after the tribulation… the sun will be darkened… and the stars will fall from heaven… Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v29-30,36,44 abr)
Jesus’ description of His second coming is bitter-sweet – bitter to those who are not prepared, but sweet to those endure until the end. Sadly, Jesus tells us that few will be saved because many will deny Him and follow false prophets.
I would suggest that based on Jesus’ words in this chapter we have already entered into the ‘birth pains of the end times’. He describes our world situation today: ” ‘…you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.’ ” (v6a,7 abr) Jesus’ words ring true in a current world event that involves both ‘war’ and ‘famine’ (the Ethiopia / Tigray conflict). There were also 700+ earthquakes in the last 24 hours, believe it or not (I find that fact staggering [no pun intended]).
Importantly, Jesus also warns us not to be surprised or panic when these things come to pass: ” ‘See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.’ ” (v6b)
Though we could spend our time carrying a signboard that reads “The End is Near”, I encourage us to constructively prepare for Jesus’ return – speak the gospel and ensure our own spiritual readiness. Procrastinators (myself included) beware, Jesus is returning like a thief in the night, and we will not know the hour or day.
Father God, our Glorious Lord and King, we raise our eyes to heaven. We acknowledge the words of Jesus and ask that You would help us prepare for His return – both in our own hearts, and in the hearts of those around us. May we remind people of His salvation, and remain steadfast in obedience until our final day. We seek to praise, honor, glorify and obey You, both now and always, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training