S75P5 – A tour through Matthew 24: all will know

Matt. 24:26-27

So, if they say to you, “Look, he is in the wilderness,” do not go out. If they say, “Look, he is in the inner rooms,” do not believe it.  For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

It would be the opportunity of a lifetime if he could get even one great shot of the stampede.  He had traveled halfway across the world, and the migration occurred only once every other season.  When they reached the hill above the river valley he started setting up his equipment.  As he gathered his containers he noticed that his battery packs had been left back at the lodge.  Panic struck him because the lodge was a 5-minute drive through the bush, and he could not afford to miss the animals passing through the water.  He asked what he should do, and everyone told him he would have plenty of time to get the packs.  They knew the animals were not close because they could be heard and felt from miles away during migration.  Anyone remotely near their path certainly would know when they were coming.

There is a sure way to know when a false Christ has revealed himself. When a man of Earth proclaims to be the Prince of Peace, a man who has been inconspicuous and unknown for decades, he cannot be believed.  Jesus tells us that his true return will not be quiet or stealth. He has no intentions of sneaking onto the scene.  When Christ returns, everyone will notice.  We do not need to spend our days watching the heavens for fear of missing the appearance of our Savior.  To hunt for him would be foolish because his return will be no secret.  His return will be like a flash across the sky that is seen in every direction.  No one will miss it, and no one will be able to deny it.  The Son of God could return in no other way but with such an impact that all would know and see.

Some biblical truths can be complex and difficult to understand, but there is no reason to complicate that which is clear and simple.  We should not fear that we would miss the return of Christ because we are not looking toward the heavens.  Our job is not to wait and watch the sky as if we have a bus or a train to catch.  Our job is to continue to do the good work God has for us as we anticipate the return of our King with patience and wisdom.  All who appear in any fashion other than that described by the Savior himself certainly are not him.  Father, remind us of your word that we would heed its instruction and understand the truth of Christ’s return, being confident that He will not forget or forsake us when He comes again.