We’re all familiar with those words famous for hide and go seek. Only this isn’t that. So here’s the big question-Drum roll!
Are you ready for the big event? Have you been making preparation for living? Yes living! If you have only been making preparation for this life, you are behind schedule. It’s time to get moving. Jesus is coming back! Or haven’t you heard? Have you been allowing the things that are happening around you to distract from the purpose for which you have been called? Let’s go to the video tape I mean the scriptures 😊
“My dear friends, this is now the second time I’ve written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles.
First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they’ll mock, “So what’s happened to the promise of His Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything’s going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing’s changed.”
They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God’s word. Then God’s word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak His word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics.
Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” 2 Peter 3:1-9 MSG
So what’s your position on the matter of Christ’s return? Are you among the scoffers? Or are you living in a constant state of readiness? If you’re anything like me, whenever I’m going on a trip, I rarely pack the night before. I’m not good at last minute preparations. I like being ready to go. Peter is warning believers not to fall in the trap of complacency. Jesus admonished us to work while it is day, why? Because the night is coming when all work ceases. We are to take advantage of every opportunity. The night may well be speaking to whatever may prevent or obstruct our work for Him. Jesus said blessed is the person who the Lord upon His return finds him doing what he’s supposed to. So are you ready for His sure return?
Let’s look at Matthew 24 and we’ll also be looking at chapter 25 as well.
“Later as he was sitting on Mount Olives, his disciples approached and asked Him, “Tell us, when are these things going to happen? What will be the sign of Your coming, that the time’s up?”
Matthew 24:3 MSG
People are more fascinated with the idea of Jesus’ return, than they are with the reality of the return. As you can see from the question in verse three, they were not different from us. Jesus hadn’t left yet and they’re asking about His return. I like how Jesus responded, and from the ensuing verses I’m sure that’s not the response they wanted to hear. Hang in there with me, this is going to be a great read. Find a quiet place and open your hearts and minds. These are scriptures most will avoid, but He is soon to come. Let’s continue:
“Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming.
“They are going to throw you to the wolves and kill you, everyone hating you because you carry my name. And then, going from bad to worse, it will be dog-eat-dog, everyone at each other’s throat, everyone hating each other.”
Matthew 24:4-10 MSG
Ouch...let’s continue to verse 11.
Verse 11: “In the confusion, lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people. For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.
“Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will come.
“But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up in the Temple sanctuary. The prophet Daniel described this. If you’ve read Daniel, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; if you’re working in the yard, don’t return to the house to get anything; if you’re out in the field, don’t go back and get your coat. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Hope and pray this won’t happen during the winter or on a Sabbath.
“This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it. But on account of God’s chosen people, the trouble will be cut short.
“If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, ‘Here’s the Messiah!’ or points, ‘There he is!’ don’t fall for it. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and dazzling performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I’ve given you fair warning.
“So if they say, ‘Run to the country and see him arrive!’ or, ‘Quick, get downtown, see him come!’ don’t give them the time of day. The Arrival of the Son of Man isn’t something you go to see. He comes like swift lightning to you! Whenever you see crowds gathering, think of carrion vultures circling, moving in, hovering over a rotting carcass. You can be quite sure that it’s not the living Son of Man pulling in those crowds.”
Matthew 24:11-28 MSG
The key to avoiding deception or counterfeit religion, is studying the real. There are those who are preaching and teaching a watered down version of redemption. Creating an “anything goes all inclusive” religion. There are not many ways to Jesus. They can call it the Light, they can put lipstick on it, dress it up -it’s still false. Jesus clearly states that HE, is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No other way has been made to the Father or to heaven. Paul wrote these words:
“I can’t believe your fickleness—how easily you have turned traitor to Him who called you by the grace of Christ by embracing a variant message! It is not a minor variation, you know; it is completely other, an alien message, a no-message, a lie about God. Those who are provoking this agitation among you are turning the Message of Christ on its head. Let me be blunt: If one of us—even if an angel from heaven!—were to preach something other than what we preached originally, let him be cursed. I said it once; I’ll say it again: If anyone, regardless of reputation or credentials, preaches something other than what you received originally, let him be cursed.” Galatians 1:6-9 MSG
This is serious business. God will not stand by and watch His Word be twisted to suit man’s selfish pride. They want to have us believe that you can choose your own truth. God is not the author of confusion! Frankly I don’t care what they believe, if it doesn’t line up with God’s Word, it MUST be rejected. Repent and be converted! Anyone reading these messages who believes you can live contrary to the laws of God and enter heaven, I’m warning you now, Repent! Now, Today -not tomorrow- is your opportunity. Get in agreement with God about your sin. He stands at your door knocking, pleading, this is your moment.
Let’s continue in Matthew 24
“Then, the Arrival of the Son of Man! It will fill the skies—no one will miss it. Unready people all over the world, outsiders to the splendor and power, will raise a huge lament as they watch the Son of Man blazing out of heaven. At that same moment, He’ll dispatch His angels with a trumpet-blast summons, pulling in God’s chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.
“Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know He’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; My words won’t wear out. “Following those hard times, Sun will fade out, moon cloud over, Stars fall out of the sky, cosmic powers tremble.
“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.”
Matthew 24:29-36 MSG
If you’re reading these verses like a Steven Spielberg movie you’re in for a rude awakening. This is not a narrative or a science fiction, this is God’s Word. Plain for all to see and make a decision for living. Life, real life, begins after your last breath. Go ahead, breathe in, hold it. It’s that quick. Elijah asked this question on Mount Carmel: “How long will you wait to make a decision? If Baal is god serve him, but if the Lord be God follow Him.” What are some of you waiting for? Why are some of you continuing to be carnal? The Bible says to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is LIFE and PEACE. Make up your mind! Jesus is coming soon.
Father in the Name of Jesus! Help me keep watch while working, carrying out your mandate to spread the word about Jesus’ return. You have given us Your Word to prepare us for what lies ahead. I can no longer feign ignorance, the Holy Spirit is sounding the alarm in my spirit to break up the fallow ground of lethargy and be about Your business. Thank you for reminding me that the hour is drawing near. In Jesus Name. Amen
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Revelation 21:27 NIV
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant