Many Christians believe that current world events can be seen as signs pointing to the imminent return of Jesus, as described through the Word of God. While no one can predict the exact time of His return, it offers some general signs which may precede it.
The recent wars and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and, Israel and Lebanon, famine in Africa, the recent earthquakes in Japan are signs of Jesus’ returns. We hear of this in Matthew 24:6-8, “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
While signs may suggest the end is near, the exact timing of Jesus’ return is known only to God, as is written in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” In the meantime, we should not be suggesting that we are predicting such end times, lest we be like the false prophets.
We are to remain faithful and expectant as we are reminded in Revelation 22:12, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
The word of God also emphasises that no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ return. Believers are encouraged to live faithfully, be prepared, and watch for the signs while trusting in God’s perfect timing. Instead, Christians are called to be alert and ready for Christ’s return, living in expectation. In 2 Peter 3:10-12, the anticipation of Jesus’ return should motivate Christians to live in holiness and godliness. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar . . . Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10).
We are urged to remain steadfast and prayerful and spiritually connected to God in anticipation of Christ’s return. “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray” (I Peter 4:7).
Prayer helps believers stay spiritually alert and in tune with God’s will. We are encouraged to build each other up and spur one another on in faith. It reads in Hebrews 10:25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together . . . but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Mutual support and fellowship are essential for strengthening faith and encouraging perseverance. Let us invest time and effort to make Godly friends, who will help us run the Christian race.
Jesus gave His followers the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to all nations. It takes on an even greater sense of urgency as laid down in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Sharing the message of salvation with others becomes a priority, as everyone needs the opportunity to know Christ before His return. Seize the day to preach the gospel. Let us be mindful to pray, engage and invite our loved ones to our church gospel meet and outreach.
God requires us in John 13:34-35 to love one another, which is a powerful witness to the world: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Instead of being overly concerned with material things, Christians are called to focus on eternal values, in Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . ..”
The return of Jesus may not happen immediately, but Christians are called to be patient and endure trials with hope, as we read in James 5:7-8: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming . . . You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
As his children, let us be sober, prayerful and vigilant as we get ready for our Saviour’s return. May we reflect and reprioritise our lives in view of Jesus Christ’s soon return!