Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 23-25 NKJV

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Thoughts

In our first chapter today, Jesus did not make many friends in the religious class, did he? He is obviously coming to the end of his work here on earth, and this really helped to cement the feelings they had for against him. 

But then, he spoke to his disciples about what the signs would be for his return, for the end of the age. Jesus spent a lot of time in chapters 24 and 25 talking about the end times and His return.

Beloved, before I talk specifically about what Jesus said to the disciples in today’s reading, I want to say that since Jesus ascended to Heaven, believers have expected his soon return…as if it could be any minute. But he gave them signs to watch for. And since I was a young adult, people have been saying, “Look at what is happening around us! Surely his coming will be soon now…even in our lifetime!” 

Well, I recently marked my 66th birthday, and we’re still waiting. Do I still believe His return is imminent? Yes, beloved. Now, more than ever. As I read the news and see events around the world, I’m thinking that there seems to be nothing else that Jesus said to look for that has not yet happened. It seems as if all the signs have been fulfilled, except for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. But that is another discussion. Suffice it to say that I believe Jesus’ return could literally be any minute now. 

So I think it makes sense to now look at Jesus’ words here in chapter 24.

In verse four. He told them,“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 

And then dropping down to verses 23 through 27 He says, “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

Almost immediately after Jesus was taken up to Heaven, when He left the disciples with the Great Commission, imposters began declaring that they were the returned Christ. Most have been quickly set aside as wackos, but some have managed to gather followers, and a few have even gathered millions.  

It just goes to show that most of these deluded people never studied the words of Jesus. His first warning was, “Don’t be fooled.” Further down he said, “Don’t believe those who say, ‘He’s here!’”

Then how will we know? Look at verse 27 again, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

When the lightning flashes and the thunder roars, it’s obvious isn’t it? Everyone knows instantly, don’t they? That is how it will be when Jesus returns. Everyone on earth will know the second Jesus makes His appearance. It will be nothing like His first appearance in Bethlehem. There will be a great sound like a trumpet blast, and BAM!…you’ll know.

Don’t be fooled by charlatans and false teachers, but look for the sign which will be the unmistakable return of the living Savior.