Jesus’ Powerful Return
Abomination of Desolations, Antichrist, Believers, Blog, Christ, Darkened, Day of the Lord, Destroyed, Disasters, Earth, Endure, Erik Garthe, Evil, Famines, Fulfillment, God, God’s Hand, God’s Judgment, God’s Plan, Good News, Great Tribulation, Heaven, Heavens, Jesus, Jesus' Powerful Return, Jesus’ Return, Jesus’ Words, Lightning, Lord, Moon, No Longer Conformed, Pestilences, Phenomenon, Prescribed, Prophecy, Purging, Rapture, Reign, Retribution, Savior, Shaken, Sign, Signs, Sin, Son of Man, Sovereign, Stars, Sun, Temple, Tribes, Tribulation, Wars
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In Matthew 24:27-31, Jesus is answering questions regarding when the temple will be destroyed and signs of His return. The temple was destroyed in AD 70, in exact fulfillment of Jesus’ very words. His return will be
preceded by increased frequency of wars, natural disasters, pestilences, and famines, building to the tribulation—a seven-year period at an unknown point in the future. The first 3 ½ years will be the ruthless reign of the Antichrist; the second 3 ½ years will be the unbearable Great Tribulation. Satan’s “abomination of desolations” event separates the two sections of time. Believers will not have to endure the tribulation! The rapture occurs just prior and is the trigger that starts that seven years period. Are you ready? Is Jesus your personal Lord and Savior? Notice three things in this passage. First, the return of Christ will be clear—“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (v. 27) The imagery of lightning illustrates how Christ’s return will be clearly evident to all near and far; however it is broadcast, when He comes, everyone will know! Second, the retribution of Christ will be thorough—“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (v. 29) Darkening of the sun is a phenomenon common to “Day of the Lord” prophecy, emphasizing God’s judgment, purging the earth of evil. One thing is sure: in His prescribed time, God will deal with all sin. Third, the recognition of Christ will be sincere—“The sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds.” (v. 30) Good news for every believer—the Son of Man Himself is the sign! It’s all in God’s sovereign hand and plan.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
