LISTEN ONLINE“It’s definitely coming. It must be!”
Nick was awake uncharacteristically early, determined to catch a glimpse of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, which was rumoured to be heading our way. Although Navy ships don’t appear on Nick’s ship-tracking app, he had spotted a telling flurry of smaller ships approaching. So, despite the unsocial hour, we all headed into our loch-side garden to watch.
Sure enough, moments later, the Royal Navy’s largest and most powerful warship, with an entourage of other vessels, appeared and passed right by our house. An extraordinary sight! And one we would all have slept through if Nick hadn’t been alert and watching the signs.
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 Jesus listed, 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.