Signs of the End

"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting in fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world." (Luke 21:25-26 ESV) Words spoken by Jesus during the week leading up to His death upon the cross. Timely words for every generation. The end has not come upon the world but it did come upon those in the generations that have passed before us.

The super moon, the election of Donald Trump president, the riots and protests filled with anxiety and foreboding, the earthquake in New Zealand, the tsunami that followed - are these signs of the end? Is the end upon us? Will the Son soon return?

Yes. These are signs of the end times. Shocked? You shouldn't be. I didn't say the end was upon us. I didn't say that the return of the Lord is today. These are signs of the end. Remember that Jesus also says, "The end is not yet." When the signs happen, they tell us that Christ will return. They point, not to themselves, but to the return of the great Judge on the Last Day. The signs all say to us, "Turn from your sinfulness and follow the way of Christ. Do not look to yourself or the actions of the world around you for hope and peace. Look to Jesus Christ alone, for only in Him will you find that peace you are searching for in the actions of the day." The signs say to you and me, "Christ is going to return."

Are you ready? I don't mean are you ready for the world to come to an end? Are you ready by believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Is your faith in Christ or in someone or something in this world? Where is your hope? In a political candidate? In a safe place? In your own desires? If it is any place other than Christ Jesus, you better hope that the end doesn't happen now for you will not have eternal peace in heaven. Only in Christ is that eternal, heavenly peace and life given.

If you are ready by believing in Jesus Christ, are you sharing that message of the Gospel with others? If not, why not? Are you willing to let others be damned? That is what it means to not have Christ Jesus as your Savior. The more sure that you are that Christ is going to return, that the signs of the end point to a return of Christ soon, that should light a fire under you to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only in Him, faith in Him, is salvation given. How can they believe in the one in whom they have not heard? And how can they hear if no one speaks to them? You are sent by the Holy Spirit to speak words of life, hope and peace.

Signs of the end are saying, "Share the Gospel. Share the Word of God. Don't wait. For the time is short." Yes, the time is short.