Heed the Warning of Jesus' 2nd Coming

In a world filled with distractions and noise, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and even hopeless. Many of us carry burdens, and the imagery of vultures hovering over our dead sins can feel all too real. But there’s hope; you don’t have to be bound by your past. You can turn to God for help, even if you don’t consider yourself religious. Just a simple conversation with Him can be transformative. You might say something like this:

"I know I am a sinner, and I feel the vultures of my past hovering over me. I recognize that you, Holy Spirit, have warned me time and time again. Forgive me for my rebellion, my lack of faith, and my pride. Today, I place my faith and trust in you, Jesus."

This prayer can be the starting point for a renewed relationship with God, one that leads you toward a deeper understanding of His promises and His warnings, especially about His second coming.

The Importance of Being Prepared

One of the core messages about the second coming of Christ is the importance of being prepared. Jesus spoke frequently about His return, emphasizing the need for vigilance among His followers. We are called to be ready, not just in a passive sense, but actively engaging in faith and good works. The Bible provides us with multiple reminders and signs that we should be aware of, and we should heed these warnings seriously.

1. No One Knows the Day or the Hour

In Mark 13:32, Jesus states, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This is a powerful reminder that speculation about the exact time of His return is futile. Instead, our focus should be on living our lives in a way that reflects our commitment to Him. Jesus emphasizes readiness, instructing us to stay awake and alert.

2. Signs of His Return

Jesus also spoke of various signs that would indicate His return is near. In Matthew 24:6-7, He mentions wars, famines, and earthquakes. He uses the term “birth pains” to describe these signs, indicating that they will increase in frequency and intensity as the time approaches. As we witness these events, we should remember Jesus’ words: “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

3. The Call to Pray

In Luke 21:36, Jesus instructs His followers to stay awake at all times, praying for the strength to escape the judgments that are to come. It’s crucial for us not to assume that we’ll escape by default. Instead, we must actively seek God’s strength through prayer, ensuring we are spiritually prepared.

4. A Day Like Any Other

In Luke 17:26-30, Jesus compares His return to the days of Noah and Lot, where life seemed normal—people were eating, drinking, and marrying. This serves as a sobering reminder that when He returns, it will be a surprise to many. We must not get complacent in our daily lives but remain vigilant and aware.

5. Accountability for Our Actions

Jesus warns that He will repay everyone according to what they have done (Revelation 22:12). This accountability should motivate us to live righteously and to reflect Christ in our actions. The idea that we will stand before Him and give an account for our lives is a powerful motivator for faithfulness.

6. Not Everyone Will Enter the Kingdom

Matthew 7:21-23 contains some of the most sobering words of Jesus: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” This stark reminder challenges us to ensure that our faith is genuine and rooted in a true relationship with Christ. It’s not enough to simply claim to know Him; we must live according to His will.

7. Expect Persecution

Jesus foretold that His followers would face persecution, which could lead many to fall away (Matthew 24:9-10). Our faith is often tested during difficult times. It’s essential to examine the strength of our faith and whether it can withstand adversity.

8. The Love of Many Will Grow Cold

Another warning from Jesus is that because of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we must actively cultivate our love for Christ and resist the pull of sin that can lead us away from Him.

9. Stay Alert and Watchful

Jesus consistently encouraged His followers to stay alert and watchful. Through various parables, He illustrated the importance of being prepared for His return (Matthew 24:42-51). We must continually seek to fulfill the Great Commission and use our gifts to serve others and reach the lost.

10. The Promise of His Return

Finally, we have the beautiful promise that Jesus is coming soon (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). This promise should fill us with hope and anticipation. We are not left alone; we are waiting for our Savior, who will return to gather His people and establish His kingdom.

Living in Light of His Return

Understanding the warnings and teachings of Jesus about His second coming should profoundly impact how we live our daily lives. We should be actively preparing ourselves and others for His return by nurturing our faith, sharing the Gospel, and living in accordance with His teachings. It’s not just about knowing the signs; it’s about living in a way that reflects our readiness to meet Him.

FAQ

What should I do to prepare for Jesus' second coming?

Preparation involves nurturing your relationship with Christ through prayer, studying the Bible, and living according to His teachings. Share your faith with others and engage in acts of service.

How can I stay spiritually alert?

Stay spiritually alert by maintaining a consistent prayer life, reading the Bible regularly, and being part of a community of believers who encourage one another in faith.

What if I am struggling with my faith?

If you’re struggling, reach out to God in prayer, seek counsel from trusted friends or mentors, and immerse yourself in Scripture. God is always ready to meet you where you are.

Is it wrong to speculate about the date of Jesus' return?

Speculating about the date of Jesus' return is discouraged in Scripture. Instead, focus on living a life that reflects His love and teachings while being watchful for the signs of His return.

How can I share my faith with others effectively?

Be genuine in your conversations, share your personal experiences, and demonstrate Christ's love through your actions. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel and be prepared to explain your faith.

In conclusion, let us heed the warnings of Jesus regarding His second coming. The call to be ready is not just a suggestion; it’s a vital part of our faith journey. Embrace the hope that comes from knowing He will return, and let that hope guide your actions today.