signs? part 2

“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25-28

 

As a part of the things that have happened and will happen that cause men to fear and wonder at the signs that Jesus discussed in awaiting His return are things that we observe now.  Whether it is climate change, eclipses, space phenomenon, oceanic activity, earthquakes there is always something that causes man to be dismayed as if there is no hope of any encouragement beyond what man thinks He can solve.  Funny thing is that man won’t be able to solve the signs that will take place because they are initiated and directed by the power of God.

I don’t know that God has provided any to the final signs of Jesus return, primarily because of the reaction man will have to those signs. “…men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world.” Jesus did not say specifically what these things would be, but I feel certain they will not be brushed off to the side as menial or insignificant. For those who do not know Christ it will bring terror and for those who hold on to Jesus it will be encouragement of Jesus return.  I can’t imagine what it will be like to see the powers of the heavens shaken or to see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory.”  But I would think a recognizing glance would put me flat on the ground in worship.  However, Jesus says to do something different, He says be a testimony of the truth standing straight and lifting up my head because the final work of redemption is taking place and about to be completed by the Lord Jesus Christ!  From this passage and the corresponding passage in Matthew 24:29-31, which gives a little more detail, we should note two things, the signs that take place at His return will be amazingly terrifying and indisputable and that Jesus will affirm He is the victorious Son of God, Savior and Redeemer, Lord of All, and glorious eternal King!  Don’t fear, don’t worry, don’t lose faith, for our God is an awesome God!


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