A light dusting of snow will likely disappear quickly when the sun starts shining. It's been warm for a week, reaching almost 60 degrees the last couple of days. A little bit of rain on Saturday. Perhaps by the end of the week the grass will start turning green. Spring has arrived and Summer is coming!
Jesus used the same observation as a lesson about watching for His return.
Just like observing the new leaves on the trees builds anticipation for Summer, the signs that He had explained to His disciples would give hints about His return (Luke 21:28-32).
The previous verses tell us that persecution, natural disasters, and phenomena in the heavens will precede Christ's return. But we don't need to be afraid of them.
The times preceding His return will be difficult, but we look for it with it in anticipation of joy. Like a bride waiting for her wedding day. Lots of stress. Lots of uncertainties. Lots of surprises. But she looks beyond those days in anticipation of being united with her beloved.
The coming days, months or years may get more intense. We have no promise for a life of ease. But if we are anticipating His return, we can look beyond those days to the day of being united with our beloved Savior for all of eternity.
Why did Jesus give us these signs?
So that we can be ready.
While the return of Christ will be a joyous celebration for many, for many others it will not be joyful. Those who know that Christ is their beloved Savior, who died for their sins, giving them full pardon, will anticipate it with joy.
Those who do not know this, those who are trying to earn the love and favor of God through their good deeds and church attendance, should live in fear of His return. There is no certainty that they've done enough to be ready.
Are you ready?
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