DEVOTION / Judgment: Could it be today?
Since February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, news outlets have provided daily updates on that war. More recently, news reports have emphasized the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The Ukraine situation threatens to involve Europe. Rumors abound that the Gaza conflict will suck neighboring countries into the fray.
Signs of Judgment Day’s arrival
Wars and rumors of wars. That has never been unusual news. In fact, it's been unusual when there has not been armed conflict — and war atrocities — raging in various parts of the planet.
Jesus tells us that these all are signs that Judgment Day is about to bring the universe to a halt.
“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away…. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:9,10).
No one knows when Jesus will return
"But these signs are so general." someone might argue. "There have always been wars and famines and pestilences. How does Jesus' prophecy help us know exactly when he will return?"
The fact is, Jesus never intended to gives us clues about the exact timing of his return. He even restricted that information from himself while he lived here. "About that day or hour no one knows," he said, "not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).
Since only his Father knows when Judgment Day will be, only false teachers attempt to predict that day. Jesus warns, "If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it" (Matthew 24:23).
Why are the signs are so general?
What, then, is the point of recognizing that wars, natural disasters, and international tragedy are signs that Jesus' return is imminent?
These events signal that Jesus' return could be today, tonight, during the night. These events urge us to always expect Jesus' world-ending appearance. He says, "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him" (Matthew 24: 44).
Christians are ready every day
But we who live under the grace and forgiveness that Jesus has won for us never have to live in fear of his return. For Christians, he returns as our brother and our friend. He returns to welcome us into his heaven and its eternal delights.
That's why our Savior urges, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).