He Will Come – Ready or Not
Author: Philip NdagijimanaAre we looking to the skies, longing for the return of Jesus with power?
Is the cry of our hearts: “Come, Lord Jesus!” or is it “Let’s wrestle some more,” or “Just let me indulge my flesh a little longer, then I’ll repent.” Will the events of the end of the age strike us with hope and joy, or dread? Let us look at what God says in His Word.
“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately.” “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ 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. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” Mat 24:3-9 (NIV).
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 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.” Mat 24:10-14 (NIV).
“. . . Handing you over to synagogue or prison, or bringing you before kings and governors, for my name’s sake. This will be your chance to witness for me. So make up your minds not to think out your defense beforehand. I will give you such eloquence and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict it. But you will be betrayed, even by parents and brothers and kinsfolk and friends . . .” Luke 21:12-16 (Phi).
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30
“They shall see the Son of man coming!”
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death; or mourning or crying or pain: for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Christ Jesus. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Pet 4:7-11 (NIV).
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star.” Rev 22:12-16, 20 (NIV).
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44
“So be on your guard, I have told you everything ahead of time.” Mark 13:23 (NIV).