The World Will Know (The Last Days, part 4)

In this devotional series, we’re taking a look at Matthew 24 & 25 to see what Jesus teaches us about his return and the end of the current age of history. Today, we’ll consider Matthew 24:23-31.

In his book, The Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse, Jason Boyett details several end times predictions made throughout history, as well as claims by different figures to have been the returned messiah. That such people have come and gone should not surprise us. Jesus warned his followers that “false messiahs and false prophets” would arise saying things like “See, here is the Messiah!” or “Over here!” Jesus even warned that some would have the ability to do a variety of “signs and wonders.”

And what does Jesus say about all of this?

“Do not believe it.”

Their claims are false, because Jesus detailed that his return will not be a secret event that only a handful know about. He is not coming back to a wilderness compound and then sending out his followers to say to others, “Come with us to the place where the messiah is!”

Jesus’ return will be a visible, earth-shaking event. The world will know.

Jesus compared his return to lightning that “comes from the east and flashes as far as the west.” We’ve seen lightning like that in an overhead thunderstorm. Flashes of lightning can even make the darkest midnight seem brighter than the sunniest noon. Jesus went on to say that his return will be accompanied by cosmic realities–signs in the sky. And “all the peoples of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Then add to this trumpet blasts and the gathering together of God’s people.

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul had to correct a heresy that Jesus had come back and the church there had missed him. Jesus’ words assure us that the event will not go unnoticed.

This gives us confidence to reject any claim by anyone that Jesus has returned. Even if the person making the claim is able to astound with fake miracles and displays of power. Jesus will not contradict himself and his return will be visible for all to see.

All scripture references taken from the Christian Standard Bible. For the previous part of this series, click here: https://fbcadrian.com/2018/07/19/troubles-and-distress-the-last-days-part-3/