WATCHING FOR THE LORD’S RETURN!

Are you ready? Do you see the signs? The very heavens and earth declare the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This blog post aims to shine a light on the crucial signs Christ spoke of, and how we must prepare ourselves and others for His return. We will delve into the scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy, seeking to understand the urgency of our times and the responsibilities laid upon us.

Christ declared that unsettling events would precede His return, shaking the very foundations of the world. “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28). The signs are not given to cause fear, but to awaken us, to show us that our redemption is near. “Christ has given signs of His coming. He declares that we may know when He is near, even at the doors. He says of those who see these signs, ‘This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.’ These signs have appeared. Now we know of a surety that the Lord’s coming is at hand.” (D.A., p. 632). We must understand these signs to avoid spiritual slumber, and to be ready when He comes.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their spiritual blindness, their inability to discern the times. “O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matt. 16:3). They were skilled at predicting weather, yet blind to the prophetic signs unfolding before them. This rebuke echoes through the ages, challenging us to look beyond the surface and grasp the deeper meaning of current events. Are we, like the Pharisees, so focused on the temporal that we neglect the eternal? We must not let familiarity breed contempt, but rather let it sharpen our spiritual senses.

In a moment of profound inquiry, the disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3). This question, asked in the shadow of the temple’s destruction, speaks to the longing in every heart for assurance and understanding. It is a question we must ask ourselves, and seek to answer through diligent study and prayer. We ask, “Lord when will you return?” and he answers, “Watch!”

Christ warned His children to be ever vigilant, to live in a state of constant readiness. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.” (Matt. 24:42, 43). This is not a call to fear, but to sober awareness. We must live as if each day were our last, preparing our hearts for the King’s arrival.

Are we ready to meet our Lord?

Those who are watchful are called blessed by Christ, and are found doing their duties. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” (Luke 12:37, 42, 43). “Those who are watching for the Lord, are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord’s household their portion of meat in due season.” (D.A., p. 634). We must be found not only waiting, but working, sharing the good news and caring for the flock.

Conversely, Christ speaks of those who are not watchful, calling them evil servants. “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 24:48-51). “He does not scoff at the idea of His coming. But in his heart and by his actions and words he declares that the Lord’s coming is delayed. He banishes from the mind the convictions that the Lord is coming quickly.” (D.A., p. 635). This delay in their minds leads to spiritual decay. Let us not fall into this trap, but keep the fire of anticipation burning brightly.

Many today scoff at the message of Christ’s imminent return, echoing the careless words of the ungodly. “Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” (Isa. 56:12). This attitude of indifference and self-indulgence is a dangerous sign. We must not be swayed by the world’s cynicism, but stand firm in our faith. The world says “peace and safety,” but sudden destruction comes.

God’s people must prepare themselves for the great day of the Lord, purifying their hearts and minds. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16). This is a call to holiness, to a life set apart for God. We must put on the whole armor of God, preparing for the spiritual battle ahead.

The day of the Lord will be a time of great tribulation, a day of darkness and judgment. “Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. The meat is cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God. The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.” (Joel 1:15-18). This vivid imagery paints a picture of the terrible consequences of sin. We must understand the severity of this day, and strive to live in a way that pleases God.

In the last days, God’s people will face intense trials and tribulations, requiring them to stand firm in their faith. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph. 6:11-18). “Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation—God’s chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host can not destroy them; for angels that excel in strength will protect them.” (Vol. 9, p. 17). We must rely on God’s strength, not our own.

Victory in the final battle comes through prayer and unwavering faith. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:36). “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16). We must cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God, seeking His guidance and strength in all things. Prayer and faith are our strongest weapons.

How do these concepts reflect God’s love?

God, in His infinite love, provides us with warnings and signs, not to frighten us, but to prepare us. He desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The very act of revealing the future demonstrates His care and concern for humanity. He equips us with knowledge and understanding, giving us the opportunity to choose life over death. He sends His prophets, including Sr. White, and His Son, not to condemn, but to save. God’s love is a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. He gives us time to prepare, to change, and to come to Him.

My foremost responsibility is to heed His warnings and live a life of obedience. I must diligently study His Word, seeking to understand His will and purpose. I must be watchful, remaining alert to the signs of the times. Prayer must be a constant practice, a lifeline to the divine. I must purify my heart, striving for holiness in all aspects of my life. I must share the message of His soon return, warning others of the impending judgment and offering them the hope of salvation. I must reflect His character, showing love, mercy, and compassion to all.

I must extend the same love and compassion that God has shown me. I must be a beacon of light in a dark world, sharing the message of hope and salvation. I must be a voice for the voiceless, standing up for justice and righteousness. I must be a source of comfort and support to those who are suffering, offering them practical help and spiritual guidance. I must be a peacemaker, seeking to resolve conflict and promote harmony. I must be a living example of Christ’s love, demonstrating His character in my words and actions. I must love my neighbor as myself.

Final reflections

The signs of the times are clear, and the Lord’s coming is near. We must not be lulled into a false sense of security, but remain vigilant and prepared. The world is in turmoil, but we have the assurance of God’s protection and the promise of His soon return. Let us live each day with purpose, knowing that our time is short and our reward is great. Let us be faithful stewards of the gospel, sharing the good news with all who will hear. Let us be a light to the world, reflecting the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The message of Christ’s soon return is not a message of fear, but a message of hope. It is a call to awaken from our spiritual slumber and prepare for the King’s arrival. Let us heed the warnings, embrace the promises, and live in a way that honors God. Let us be found faithful when He comes, ready to enter into the joy of our Lord. Let us watch and pray, for the day of the Lord is at hand.